Bulldozer Action on Illegal Shrine in Shravasti Amid Crackdown on Encroachments

Shravasti – In a significant step against illegal religious encroachments in border districts, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its campaign, leading to the demolition of an unauthorized mazar (shrine) built on government land in Shravasti.

Acting under the Chief Minister’s strict directives, the district administration took action on the Bhinga-Sirsia road where the illegal structure had come up on a reserved plot belonging to the Nagar Palika Parishad (municipal council). The demolition was executed as part of a joint operation by the district administration, municipal council, and the revenue department, with heavy deployment of security forces to maintain law and order during the drive.

The land in question — plot number 121, covering 0.1420 hectares — had been reserved by the Bhinga Nagar Palika for timber storage purposes. Authorities had been receiving reports for some time about illegal occupation and unauthorized construction of a mazar on the site.

Under the leadership of District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi, a joint team of officials from the revenue department, police, and municipal council first carried out a proper demarcation to identify the encroachment. Prior notice was issued to those involved, and after the stipulated time passed, the administration moved in on Tuesday to demolish the illegal structure. All associated constructions were removed, and the land was officially declared encroachment-free.

District Magistrate Dwivedi emphasized that the operation was conducted lawfully and was essential for maintaining public order and protecting government property. He reiterated that no one would be allowed to illegally occupy government land in the future.