Varanasi authorities have stepped up work on a road widening project in the Muslim-majority Dalmadi area. On Thursday, a joint team from the Public Works Department (PWD), Varanasi Development Authority (VDA), and the Municipal Corporation measured five mosques that fall within the project area.
The administration wants to widen a 650-meter alternative route to Kashi Vishwanath Dham to 60 feet. Officials carried out the measurement work in the presence of a large police force.
The action created concern and confusion in the busy market area. Police, PAC personnel, and Rapid Response Force (RRF) teams remained on duty to maintain law and order.
Officials said the project affects 181 identified buildings. So far, workers have demolished 100 buildings, while work continues on the remaining 40 structures. The administration aims to complete the demolition process by the end of June.
The road widening project will affect six mosques in the area. During Thursday’s exercise, officials measured Mirza Karimullah Beg Mosque, Sangemarmar Mosque, Ali Raza Khan Mosque, Nisaran Mosque, and Rangeele Shah Mosque. Authorities had already completed measurements at Langde Hafiz Mosque earlier.
PWD Executive Engineer K.K. Singh said demolition work is moving quickly. He added that construction on the widened road will begin after the demolition work ends and should finish within the next three months. However, he said he was not aware of the mosque measurements carried out on Thursday.
Notice on the Masjid of the Main Entrance of Kashi Railway Station
The Indian Railways has taken a major step towards the expansion of Kashi Railway Station in UP. Railway officials have pasted a notice on the wall of Ganj Shahida Mosque, located near the station’s main entrance of Kashi Railway Station. In the notice, the Railways has asked the occupants to vacate the land by June 20 to facilitate the station expansion project.
However, the mosque’s managing body, the Intazamia Masjid Committee, has termed the notice illegal. The committee has said that it will challenge the move in court.
