Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, August 6, 2025 – The Public Works Department (PWD) in Varanasi demolished a mazar belonging to Syed Baba on the Bhojubir-Sindhora road in Mirapur Basahi, flattening it to clear the way for road expansion. The action, following weeks of local protests and a formal complaint, has stirred heated reactions in the city. The mazar, located in the middle of the busy road, was blamed for frequent accidents, prompting residents and advocates to demand its removal.
The issue gained traction after a group led by advocate Vineet Singh submitted a complaint to the District Magistrate’s office, highlighting the mazar’s role in traffic hazards. On July 17, during a review meeting at the Circuit House, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed frustration over illegal encroachments, including the mazar, on government land. He ordered strict action, and the district administration moved swiftly. The PWD razed the structure and leveled the road, ensuring smoother traffic flow.
This isn’t the first time Varanasi has tackled such encroachments. The administration recently gave the Lat Shahi Mazar Committee a three-day ultimatum to clear illegal constructions near the Circuit House, signaling a broader crackdown. The Bhojubir-Sindhora mazar’s removal follows a pattern of clearing obstacles for infrastructure projects, like the Dalmandi road widening, where encroachments were also a concern. However, the demolition has sparked mixed feelings. Locals cheered the decision, citing fewer accidents.
Varanasi’s grappling with bigger challenges too. Floods from the Ganga river have submerged 54 villages and 24 city wards, complicating life for residents. Amid these struggles, the mazar’s demolition feels like another flashpoint in a city balancing development and tradition. The administration insists it’s about safety and progress. For now, the road is clear, but the debate over faith and infrastructure rages on.
