After the demolition of a four-storey waqf musafirkhana, authorities identify more buildings for action
VARANASI — The ongoing demolition drive in the Muslim-majority Dalmandi area of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh has intensified further, with residents expressing growing fear after a waqf-owned musafirkhana (traveller’s lodge) was demolished and several more structures, including mosques, reportedly came under official scrutiny.
The latest bulldozer action in Dalmandi, one of the oldest and most densely populated commercial neighbourhoods of Varanasi, has sparked fresh debate over redevelopment projects and their impact on Muslim localities, religious structures and traditional markets.
According to officials, demolition work continued on Tuesday after action was carried out against several buildings a day earlier. Authorities reportedly demolished 17 additional houses during the latest phase of the drive.
With the new action, locals say more than 100 buildings in the area have already been razed, leaving large stretches of Dalmandi covered in debris.
On Monday, officials also demolished a four-storey musafirkhana allegedly built on waqf land, causing concern among residents and members of the local Muslim community.
The demolition of the musafirkhana created tension in the locality, where many families and shopkeepers say they are feeling helpless and uncertain about the future of their homes and businesses.
Residents claim the action is changing the social and cultural character of one of the city’s historic Muslim neighbourhoods.
Sources in the area said discussions were also continuing between the administration and concerned parties regarding six mosques located in the redevelopment zone. Though no final official announcement has been made regarding these mosques, speculation over possible demolition has increased anxiety among local people.
Many residents fear that religious structures may also come under the widening road expansion and redevelopment project.
The Public Works Department has reportedly said that the administration aims to complete the demolition phase by the end of May, while finishing work on the overall project by August.
Officials have additionally identified 22 more allegedly dilapidated buildings in the Dalmandi area, where another round of demolition is expected to take place on May 14.
Local traders and residents say the continuous bulldozer action has badly affected business activity in the crowded market area, which is known for its traditional shops, narrow lanes and old residential buildings.
Several families whose homes were demolished said they had spent decades in the area and were now uncertain where they would move.
“We are watching our homes and memories disappear in front of our eyes,” a resident said. “People are scared because nobody knows which building will be targeted next.”
Another shopkeeper said the atmosphere in the locality had changed completely.
“Dalmandi was always full of life and business,” he said. “Now there is fear everywhere. People are worried not only about shops and houses but also about religious places.”
The demolition drive has also drawn criticism from activists and opposition voices who argue that redevelopment projects in several parts of Uttar Pradesh are disproportionately affecting Muslim neighbourhoods.
Critics have questioned whether road widening and urban development projects are being carried out with proper rehabilitation plans for displaced families and traders.
Supporters of the project, however, say the redevelopment aims to reduce congestion and improve infrastructure in one of the city’s busiest areas.
So far, authorities have maintained that the action is part of an approved urban development and road expansion plan.
The situation in Dalmandi continues to remain tense as residents await further action and clarity regarding the future of the remaining buildings and religious structures in the locality.
