By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 1 Jul: An illegal mazaar obstructing the national highway widening project in Prem Nagar here was demolished late last night by the state government. The district administration had earlier issued a notice regarding the removal of the unauthorised structure. As no response was received within the stipulated time, the demolition was carried out by the administration in coordination with the National Highway authorities, late last night.
According to officials, no human or other remains were found within the religious structure, which had been erected along the roadside. Locals claimed that the site, marked by a green cloth and lit lamps, had been falsely presented as a mazaar and was constructed with the intention of encroaching upon government land.
Sources reminded that multiple efforts to remove the structure had been made in the past but were hindered by alleged political pressure. This time, the Dhami government remained firm, executing the demolition without succumbing to external influence. The administration took decisive action, signalling its intent to proceed with development works and curb encroachments regardless of political considerations.
City Magistrate Pratyush Singh confirmed that the structure was obstructing the ongoing highway widening work and has now been cleared. He emphasised that due process had been followed prior to the demolition. It may be noted that the Dhami-led government in Uttarakhand has, so far, taken down 532 such illegal religious structures across the state, in line with its commitment to lawful governance and infrastructure development.
