The Aryavarth Express Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], March 24 : In Ujjain, the Municipal Corporation on Tuesday carried out a demolition drive in Begum Bagh Colony, located near the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. The action targeted structures built on plots whose leases had expired.
Officials said around 16 structures across nearly 11 plots were removed. The operation was conducted under tight security, with police personnel deployed, barricades installed, and surveillance maintained through CCTV and drones.
According to authorities, the Ujjain Development Authority had leased these plots in 1985 for residential use for a period of 30 years. However, many occupants allegedly used the land for commercial purposes, violating lease conditions. The leases expired between 2014 and 2015 and were not renewed. After issuing multiple notices, the authority cancelled several leases in 2023–24.
The affected plot holders had approached courts and obtained temporary relief earlier, but their petitions were eventually dismissed by lower courts, the High Court, and the Supreme Court, paving the way for the demolition.
Officials stated that about 45 leases in total were cancelled due to violations. The cleared land will now be taken over by the development authority and used for public infrastructure projects, including the widening of the Hari Phatak bridge and road development.
Police confirmed that around 50 personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Traffic arrangements were also made to minimize disruption, with at least one route kept open for devotees visiting the temple.
