By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun/Haridwar, 29 Jul: The ongoing construction of what is being described as Uttarakhand’s largest mosque in the Sultanpur area of Haridwar district has sparked sharp opposition from the local sages and akharas. They allege that the requisite administrative approvals are absent. Sources have claimed that the issue has been brought to the notice of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has now directed the Haridwar district administration to submit a detailed report on the matter.
Haridwar, regarded as one of the most sacred centres of Sanatan Dharma, is home to numerous akharas, ashrams, and spiritual institutions, drawing sages and devotees from across the world. The largescale construction of the mosque in Sultanpur has been underway for the past several months and has drawn significant attention on social media. According to media reports, the structure is poised to become the largest mosque in Uttarakhand, with minarets already said to have reached a height of 250 feet, while stone-laying and structural work continues at pace.
The main objection raised pertains to the alleged failure of the Mosque Intizamia Committee to obtain any formal permission from the office of the District Magistrate for such a major religious construction. It may be reminded here that under the current rules, approval of the District Magistrate is mandatory for construction of any religious structure in the district. According to the Supreme Court guidelines in this respect, issued in 2009 and reiterated in 2016, which prohibit the construction of any new religious structures without prior approval from the district authorities. These directives necessitate the submission of all relevant land records, details of committee members, and associated bank account information before any construction can be permitted. Further, the Nainital High Court, in consonance with the Supreme Court’s directions, has also mandated the constitution of district-level committees to ensure compliance in all such matters. These provisions are in line with the Dhami government’s ongoing state-wide drive against encroachments and unauthorised constructions.
Speaking to a section of media, Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed that construction activity at the site has been stopped. A formal notice has been served upon the mosque committee, instructing them to furnish all relevant documentation pertaining to land ownership and construction approvals for administrative scrutiny.
Meanwhile, expressing grave concern, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Pankaj Chauhan stated that the magnitude of the mosque project has raised alarm with the sages and with the akharas of Haridwar. He affirmed that the issue has been conveyed to the state government for urgent consideration. Chauhan further questioned the source of the funds involved in the construction of such a large structure and urged the Dhami government to conduct a thorough inquiry into the financial channels backing the project.
The situation continues to evolve, with local sentiments running high in the religiously significant region of Haridwar, where preservation of spiritual and cultural ethos remains a sensitive matter.
