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Authorities in Ujjain carried out a demolition drive in the Begambag area near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, removing 16 illegal structures built on plots meant for residential use. The action followed the lifting of court stays and cancellation of expired leases. These plots, allotted decades ago, had been subdivided and used commercially in violation of rules. The drive is part of a larger enforcement effort, with multiple structures already cleared earlier. The move is also linked to upcoming infrastructure planning and better crowd management in the temple zone.
Authorities in Ujjain carried out a demolition drive in the Begambag area near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, where 16 illegal structures were removed by the Ujjain Development Authority along with municipal officials and police teams. The action was taken after legal hurdles were cleared and earlier stay orders from different courts were no longer applicable.
Officials stated that these plots were originally allotted for residential use but were later converted into commercial establishments without approval. The lease period for these plots had already expired several years ago and was not renewed, which led to cancellation of allotments. As a result, authorities proceeded with demolition after completing due legal process.
The background of the issue goes back to the mid-1980s, when around 45 plots of about 2,400 sq ft each were allotted on a 30-year lease in the Begambag locality. Over time, many allottees subdivided these plots, and the number of constructions increased to nearly 99. A significant portion of these structures was being used for commercial purposes, which was not permitted under the original lease terms.
After the leases expired around 2014-15, authorities issued multiple notices to the occupants regarding violations and non-renewal. When compliance was not achieved, the leases were eventually cancelled. Property holders had approached courts and obtained temporary relief, which delayed the enforcement action for a considerable period. Once the legal protection ended, authorities resumed action and carried out the demolition. Occupants vacated the premises after being informed about the final legal position.
The demolition was conducted with proper security arrangements. More than 50 police personnel were deployed at the site to maintain order. Authorities also used CCTV cameras and drones to monitor the operation and avoid any untoward incidents. Traffic movement in nearby areas was regulated during the drive, while pedestrian access for devotees visiting the temple was kept open, as the stretch is an important route leading to the temple.
This action is part of a larger ongoing exercise in the area. Before this phase, around 42 structures had already been removed in earlier drives, taking the total number of demolitions to 58 so far. Officials indicated that the remaining illegal constructions will also be addressed in a phased manner following legal procedures.
The clearance of such structures is also linked to upcoming infrastructure plans in the city, including a proposed bridge project and preparations for Simhastha 2028. In recent years, the area around the temple has seen increased focus due to rising footfall, especially after the development of the Mahakal corridor. Authorities have been taking steps to regulate land use and remove encroachments to improve accessibility and overall planning in the temple zone.
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