Over 10,000 shops in the Dalmandi wholesale market in Varanasi, a predominantly Muslim area, are set to be demolished by the Uttar Pradesh government. The shops are located near the main entrance of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, around 150 meters from the site. The narrow lanes in this area have been causing hindrances to the development work, according to officials.
“These shops have mostly been built on government land through illegal encroachments. After the survey, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation will issue notices to the shop owners, and once the notice period ends, demolition work will begin,” said an official. The aim is to widen the narrow streets, which are currently about 8 feet wide, to 23 feet to facilitate better access for pilgrims.
The Dalmandi market, often referred to as the ‘Singapore of Purvanchal,’ is a bustling commercial hub. However, with the widening of the road, officials hope to ease the traffic pressure and provide smoother access to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. “We have completed a survey of the 10,000 shops and are now focusing on the road widening work, which will benefit both traders and visitors,” added the official.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the development plan for Dalmandi during his visit to Varanasi on December 6. “The road widening project is a priority, and we want to ensure a smooth flow of traffic for the pilgrims coming to Kashi Vishwanath,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ongoing drive against illegal encroachments has also spread to other parts of Uttar Pradesh. In Sambhal, bulldozers were used on December 20 to remove an illegal slab built over a drain outside the house of Samajwadi Party MP, Ziaur Rehman Barq. “The authorities acted swiftly after the illegal construction was noticed,” said a local police official.
Similarly, in Ballia, a BJP leader’s office was demolished by the municipal administration for illegal encroachment. “We are committed to clearing illegal constructions, regardless of political affiliations,” stated a municipal official.
This drive to remove the structures is causing concerns among the traders, many of whom fear the loss of their livelihoods. “This decision is a huge blow to us, but we understand the need for development. Still, we hope the government will offer some form of compensation or alternative arrangements,” said one shopkeeper from Dalmandi.
