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Ujjain Demolishes 16 Illegal Structures Near Mahakal Temple After Court Battle

The Ujjain Municipal Corporation demolished approximately 16 structures built on 11 plots in Begum Bagh Colony near the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The land was leased by the Ujjain Development Authority in 1985 for residential use, but plot holders used it for commercial purposes, violating the terms. After the leases expired in 2014-15 and were not renewed, the UDA cancelled them, leading to a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court. Following the dismissal of the plot holders' appeals, authorities proceeded with the demolition, deploying significant police and using drones for monitoring.

Key Points: Ujjain Removes Illegal Structures Near Mahakaleshwar Temple

  • 16 structures demolished on 11 plots
  • Leases expired in 2014-15, not renewed
  • Plot holders misused residential land for commerce
  • Supreme Court cleared way for demolition
3 min read

MP: Municipal Corporation removes structure near Mahakal temple in Ujjain after lease period expired

Ujjain Municipal Corporation demolishes 16 commercial structures on leased land near Mahakal temple after Supreme Court dismisses appeals.

"Today 16 structures built on approximately 11 plots are being removed. - Sandeep Soni, CEO, Ujjain Development Authority"

Ujjain, March 24

A team of Municipal Corporation on Tuesday carried out a demolition drive, removing the alleged illegal structures and houses in Begum Bagh Colony situated near Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple after their lease expired, an official said.

The administration removed around 16 structures constructed on approximately 11 plots. During the process, proper security measures including police deployment and barricading were in place at the site.

According to the officials, Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) leased out plots in the Begum Bagh area for residential use on a 30-year lease in 1985. But instead of utilising these plots for residential purposes, the plot holders used them for commercial activities which falls in violation of the regulations. Additionally, the leases expired in 2014-15 and were not renewed. The UDA issued a series of notices regarding these plots and the authority terminated the leases held by the plot holders in 2023-24.

After that plot holders approached the courts, where they obtained a stay order. Cases concerning these plots remained pending in various courts. After their pleas were dismissed by lower courts, high court and Supreme Court, demolition proceedings were initiated.

"This area was developed under a residential scheme and people were granted lease of the plots for residential use. But people misused the plot, following which around 45 leases were cancelled due to violations. In this episode, today 16 structures built on approximately 11 plots are being removed. The district administration, police, and municipal authorities are overseeing the removal process, after which the land will be taken under control. Since the land belongs to UDA, it is taken into its custody. Along with this, these lands will be utilised in the widening of the Hari Phatak bridge and road construction by the Madhya Pradesh government," said Sandeep Soni, CEO, Ujjain Development Authority.

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rahul Deshmukh said that around 50 police personnel were deployed at the site and the situation was also being monitored through CCTV cameras and drones.

"Today, some houses with expired leases are being demolished in Begum Bagh colony here and in view of security measures, three police stations in charge and around 50 police personnel have been deployed at the site. Additionally, barricades are in place and continuous monitoring is being done through CCTV surveillance, and drone cameras. Along with this, traffic management is being handled to ensure minimal disruption, with one route kept open for devotees. The area around the demolition is temporarily closed, and efforts are being made to complete the work swiftly to restore traffic flow," said CSP Deshmukh.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the law must be followed, my heart goes out to the families who called those structures home. A 30-year lease creates a sense of permanence. I hope the administration has a proper rehabilitation plan in place. Development shouldn't come at the cost of human suffering. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Good step for Ujjain's infrastructure. The Hari Phatak bridge widening is much needed for the lakhs of devotees visiting Mahakaleshwar. The police deployment and planning to keep a route open for devotees shows they considered the pilgrim traffic. Jai Mahakal! 🚩
A
Aman W
The UDA leased the plots in 1985. The lease ended in 2014-15. Action is being taken now in 2024? This shows the typical delay in our system. Why wasn't this addressed sooner? It creates uncertainty for everyone.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the use of drones and CCTV for monitoring. It's a modern approach to a sensitive operation. Hopefully this transparency minimizes conflicts and ensures the work is done properly.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The article says plots were for residential use but used commercially. Were there no checks for 30 years? The UDA also has a responsibility to monitor usage. Both sides failed, but only the plot holders face the bulldozer.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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