16 illegal structures demolished in Ujjain locality

Ujjain: Sixteen illegal structures were demolished in Begambag, near Mahakal temple in Ujjain on Tuesday in a joint operation by Ujjain development authority, municipal council and police. "The plots were allotted for residential use but were put to commercial use. The lease expired and could not be renewed, so the action was taken," UDA CEO Sandeep Kumar Soni said.The drive was carried out after stay orders granted by lower court, High Court and Supreme Court were vacated. Building owners, after being served notices and informed of legal position, voluntarily vacated their premises.The dispute traced back to 1985, when UDA had allotted 45 residential plots in Begambag on 30-year lease, each measuring approximately 2,400 square feet. Plot holders, however, violated lease conditions by using the land for commercial purpose and subdivided the plots, raising nearly 99 structures. The leases lapsed in 2014-15 and were not renewed. After repeated notices, UDA cancelled the leases in 2023-24, following which plot holders obtained court stays — which have now been vacated.Forty-two structures were already demolished in four earlier phases. Tuesday's action took the total to 58, with the remaining 32 to follow through the legal process. A bridge is proposed at the site ahead of Simhastha 2028.Over 50 police personnel were deployed, with CCTV and drone surveillance in place. Vehicular traffic was stopped, though pilgrims were allowed to pass on foot. CSP Rahul Deshmukh said special care was taken to ensure pilgrims were not inconvenienced, as the area falls on an approach road to the Mahakal Temple.