Tension is growing in Varanasi’s Dal Mandi area after the Municipal Corporation issued tax notices to six mosques, warning that they could be confiscated if outstanding dues are not cleared within 15 days. The notices are part of a broader action involving 151 buildings in the locality, with officials claiming that total arrears on water and sewage taxes have reached nearly ₹1.78 crore.
Residents say the move has caused fear and uncertainty in the community. “We are already suffering because of road widening and demolition work,” said a local shopkeeper who did not want to be named. “Now these tax notices are putting even more pressure on us. It feels like we are being cornered from all sides.”
Many members of the Muslim community believe the action unfairly targets religious sites, especially as tensions remain high around the ongoing Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor expansion.
Municipal Corporation Public Relations Officer Sandeep Srivastava, however, defended the move, saying it was part of a routine process. “We have issued notices to all tax defaulters in the Dal Mandi area,” he said. “They have 15 days to pay their dues. If payments are not made, the process of confiscation will begin.” He added, “This action is not against any religion or individual. Our aim is to ensure fairness and transparency in tax recovery.”
Locals remain unconvinced. “These mosques have been part of our community for generations,” said a resident. “Issuing such notices in the middle of ongoing demolitions feels like an attack on our identity and our right to worship.” Traders in the area also complained that the notices came without proper warning, leaving them little time to respond.
The controversy comes amid growing criticism of the Uttar Pradesh government for recent demolitions and sealing of mosques, madrasas, and historical Eidgahs across several districts. Community leaders argue that sudden enforcement actions create panic among minorities and risk deepening communal divides.
“We respect the law,” said a local elder, “but confiscating mosques would deeply wound the sentiments of thousands of people and damage communal harmony. The administration should find a humane and lawful solution.”
As the 15-day deadline nears, anxiety in Dal Mandi is mounting. Residents and local leaders are calling for a review of the decision, warning that mishandling the issue could inflame tensions in one of Varanasi’s most densely populated Muslim neighbourhoods.
