Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, July 31, 2025 – In a decisive action, district officials demolished an unauthorized mazar built on municipal land along the Bhinga–Sirsia road in Shravasti. The site lay on reserved land designated for timber storage. Authorities say the mazar had been occupying government property for several months without any formal permission.
Joint Operation
Late on July 29, a team comprising the district administration, municipal council, revenue department, and police moved in to reclaim the land. They first conducted spot measurement and officially identified the boundaries. Notices were issued to the occupants, giving them time to vacate. When compliance did not follow, the order to demolish was carried out the next day. Security personnel were deployed throughout the operation to avoid any untoward incident.
What Happened?
a. The land parcel, measuring approximately 0.1420 hectare, was part of Gata number 121, under Bhinga Municipality jurisdiction. Its official use was timber storage—not religious structures.
b. Despite receiving repeated reports from local residents regarding unauthorized occupation, authorities say no legal documents were ever presented in support of the mazar’s presence.
c. Acting under clear directives, officials demolished the structure in line with legal processes after the stipulated notice period expired.
Administration Speaks
District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi stated that the demolition followed due legal process and was essential for protecting public interest. He affirmed that no encroachment on government land would be tolerated in the future. Officials emphasized that all steps—including notice issuance, boundary surveying, and security deployment—were documented and carried out as per established norms.
Context: Broader Crackdown
Shravasti’s action is part of a wider campaign targeting illegal religious and educational establishments along the India–Nepal border. Since early May, authorities have identified and acted against dozens of unauthorized madrasas, mosques, shrines (mazars), and Eidgahs across districts including Shravasti, Bahraich, Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, Balrampur, and Pilibhit. In Shravasti alone, at least five mazars and over 100 madrassas have been sealed or demolished, per official tallies.
This drive is led by the state government under instructions to reclaim public land and stop misuse in the name of religion. In recent weeks, court orders and administrative notices have also played a role in directing lawful compliance.
Local Reaction
Villagers and local stakeholders welcomed the demolition while expressing mixed views. Many appreciated the reclaiming of public land, but some questioned whether people using the site had been given fair warning and an opportunity to respond. Others welcomed the enforcement of law and order in a region already under scrutiny for land misuse.
