Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 29 Aug: Following the example set by Dehradun, the Haridwar district administration has launched a survey to identify illegal mazaars. Reports indicate that, upon learning of the government’s survey, some of those who constructed the unauthorised structures began demolishing these themselves in fear of strict administrative action.
During the survey, an illegal mazaar in Qatarpur Alipur on Laksar Road was discovered. When the administration team asked for construction permits and related documents, the persons concerned failed to produce any. While officials were still on site, the wife of the person who had built this illegal mazaar along with some other persons started dismantling the structure themselves.
As per the initial survey reports, currently, there are over 30 such illegally constructed religious structures across Haridwar district. The survey is ongoing, and notices concerning land ownership and construction permits are being issued.
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit stated that the illegally built mazsars have been identified, and the process of serving notices is underway.
In today’s development, the illegal mazaar in Qatarpur Alipur was removed by local residents, themselves. Dixit said it would set a positive precedent if people removed illegal structures voluntarily, otherwise, the administration would have to take strict action. He added that authorities would not hesitate to act under stringent provisions against anyone carrying out illegal construction on government land.
It may be recalled that the Dhami government in Uttarakhand has so far removed 545 illegal mazaars from the state. The officials noted that no remains were found inside any of these structures and that their primary purpose has been the illegal occupation of government land and conducting fraudulent activities.
