What Actions Are Being Taken Against Buildings in Ujjain's Begum Bagh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ujjain Development Authority's initiative reflects commitment to urban planning.
- 12 buildings demolished for land-use violations.
- Allotments originally intended for residential use.
- Successful collaboration between UDA and UMC in enforcement.
- Significant implications for community compliance with land norms.
Ujjain, Nov 5 (NationPress) The Ujjain Development Authority (UDA) executed another phase of its anti-encroachment initiative in the Begum Bagh area on Wednesday, leading to the demolition of 12 structures found in violation of land-use regulations, as reported by an official.
The UDA confirmed that all demolished buildings were deemed illegal due to the cancellation of their plot leases several years prior.
Begum Bagh, a predominantly Muslim residential area, falls under the Mahakal police station's jurisdiction in Ujjain, the district of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Officials clarified that the land was initially designated for a residential colony, yet the allottees repurposed the plots for commercial ventures, breaching lease terms. Additionally, these leases expired in 2014-15 and were never renewed.
This demolition operation was a collaborative effort between the Ujjain Development Authority and the Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC), conducted in the presence of various administrative and police officials.
According to UDA CEO Sandeep Soni, the demolished area was part of a residential planning initiative launched in 1985, known as the Mahakal Hari Pathak residential scheme.
“The UDA allocated these plots for housing; however, over the years, illegal constructions emerged and the lands were appropriated for commercial use, contravening regulations,” Soni stated during the demolition.
He further noted that while 28 plots were originally leased under the 1985 plan, approximately 65 structures had been constructed on them over time.
This marks the third anti-encroachment drive in the Begum Bagh area since June of this year, with the UDA previously demolishing 28 buildings in earlier operations during June and August.
Ujjain stands as one of Madhya Pradesh's major cities, serving both as an administrative and a religious hub for the Ujjain district and the state’s Ujjain division.
The city is significant as one of the Sapta Puri—the seven sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism—and is famous for hosting the Kumbh Mela (Simhastha) every twelve years.
It also houses the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve esteemed Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.