The Ujjain Development Authority took action in the Begum Bagh area near Ujjain's Mahakal Temple, demolishing 11 illegal houses belonging to Muslims. The action, which followed the dismissal of a court stay, remained entirely peaceful.
Ujjain: Once again, bulldozers have rolled into the Begum Bagh area near the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Temple. The administration demolished 11 illegal constructions built on Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) land on Saturday morning. This area is predominantly Muslim and is adjacent to the access route to Mahakal Temple. As the area is considered sensitive, a heavy police force was deployed during the operation. Notably, this time the action was completely peaceful, with the building owners vacating their houses voluntarily.
Administration's Action in Begum Bagh
From 9 AM on Saturday, the administration and police contingent arrived in the Begum Bagh area. Approximately 100 police personnel and officers, including CSP and TI, managed the security arrangements. Meanwhile, about 100 officials, including the CEO of the Development Authority, Municipal Corporation officers, Tehsildar, and Patwari, carried out the action.
The administration stated that in three previous phases, 13 illegal structures had been demolished, which saw some opposition. However, this time, after a lengthy legal process in court and providing sufficient time to the building owners, this step was taken, resulting in a completely peaceful atmosphere.
Business Continued in Begum Bagh Even After Lease Expiry
This area of Begum Bagh was leased out by the Ujjain Development Authority in 1985 for residential use on a 30-year lease. The size of each plot was approximately 2400 square feet. The rule was that only residential houses should be built on these plots.
However, over time, many plot holders started large-scale commercial activities here. Not only that, but the lease period expired in 2014-15, and yet no renewal was done. Despite sending notices and warnings during this period, construction and usage continued in violation of the rules.
Bulldozer Action After Stay Removed by Court
When the UDA issued notices, the plot holders approached the court and obtained a stay order. This matter went from the lower court, then to the High Court, and finally to the Supreme Court. Recently, after the stay was dismissed at all levels, the administration's path was cleared.
UDA CEO Sandeep Kumar Soni stated that the renewal of these plots was not done even after the lease expired. Furthermore, engaging in commercial activities instead of residential use is a clear violation of the rules. As no relief was granted by the court, the concerned owners were issued notices, and the stipulated time period also expired. Following this, the action was initiated.
24 Buildings Demolished So Far in Begum Bagh
The UDA informed that there were a total of 30 plots in the Begum Bagh area, which were divided into smaller portions, leading to the construction of 65 buildings. So far, 24 of these buildings have been razed to the ground. Action will be taken on the remaining 41 illegal buildings once the legal process is complete.
The 11 buildings demolished on Saturday were located on plot numbers 15, 18, 29, 59, and 65. These houses were in the names of Sher Bano Nagori, Mohammad Akram, Shaidur Rahman, Sarfaraz, Mubarak, Mohammad Tausif, Abdul Latif, Sayyed Qamar Ali, Mohammad Siddiqui Qureshi, Nasir Ali, and Mohammad Salim.
Administration Exercised Caution in Sensitive Begum Bagh
Since Begum Bagh is a predominantly Muslim area and is situated on the access route to Mahakal Temple, it is considered a sensitive zone. As a precaution, one of the routes was completely closed, and the police force remained on high alert. However, the building owners voluntarily vacated their homes in view of the court's order and the administration's process. This is precisely why 11 illegal structures were demolished without any dispute.
