Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Ujjain Library Faces Demolition for Road Widening
In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Ujjain Municipal Corporation is widening a road from Kanthal to Chhatri Chowk.
A historic library, the Shri Yuvraj General Library, is at risk of partial demolition due to this project.
The library is 113 years old and has a rich history, housing around 30,000 books, including rare volumes.
It was even included in the Golden Book of World Records in 2023.
Some people, like lawyer Subhash Chandra Gaur and deputy Leader of the Opposition Rajendra Kuwal, say the project is being done unfairly.
They claim that an influential family's property is being spared from demolition, while the library, which is important to the city's history, is being threatened.
The library's supporters argue that demolishing part of the building could make the whole structure unsafe.
The UMC, however, says they are following the necessary procedures and ensuring minimal disruption.
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation is widening a road from Kanthal to Chhatri Chowk, threatening a historic library.
The Shri Yuvraj General Library, 113 years old, houses around 30,000 books and has historical significance.
Supporters allege the project is being carried out in a partisan manner, favoring an influential family.
The library's supporters claim that demolishing part of the building could endanger the entire structure.
The UMC maintains they are following necessary procedures and ensuring minimal disruption.
- Who
- Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC), Subhash Chandra Gaur, Rajendra Kuwal, an influential family
- What
- Allegations of partisan behavior in road widening project threatening a historic library
- When
- Ongoing
- Where
- Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- To widen the road from Kanthal to Chhatri Chowk, allegedly favoring an influential family
Library Supporters
Ujjain Municipal Corporation
Road Widening Project
Library Supporters
The road widening project is being carried out in a partisan manner, favoring an influential family while threatening the historic library.
Ujjain Municipal Corporation
The UMC is carrying out the road widening project as per the approved plan, ensuring necessary infrastructure development.
Demolition of Library
Library Supporters
The demolition of part of the library's structure could endanger the entire building, which is of old construction and has historical significance.
Ujjain Municipal Corporation
The UMC is following the necessary procedures and has assessed the structural impact, ensuring minimal disruption.
Concessions to Influential Family
Library Supporters
An influential family's property has been spared from demolition, allowing their shops to continue operating while others are closed.
Ujjain Municipal Corporation
The UMC has not granted any special concessions; the road widening plan is being implemented uniformly.
- Location
- Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Library Age
- 113 years old
- Books in Library
- Around 30,000
- Notable Figures Associated
- Padma Vibhushan Suryanarayan Vyas, Prabhakar Machwe, Dhundiraj Aashtewale, Shankarprasad Bhargava, Kanhaiyalal Manana
- World Record
- Included in the Golden Book of World Records in 2023
- Road Widening Project
- From Kanthal to Chhatri Chowk
- Alleged Concessions
- To an influential family's property
- Proposed Demolition
- 10.5 ft of the library's frontage and a 6-metre portion on its northern side