Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Four Illegal Mazars Demolished in Katarniaghat Sanctuary
In a wildlife sanctuary, four religious buildings were taken down because they were built on protected forest land without permission.
The forest department said the buildings were illegal because the committee didn't have the proper documents.
The committee had previously tried to get help from the courts, but they lost.
The department said the media initially couldn't go to the site due to potential conflict with wild animals, however, they were later allowed under supervision.
The annual fair at the Lakkar Shah Baba shrine has been banned, which the committee disagrees with.
Four religious structures in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary were demolished.
Demolition occurred under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
The mazar committee lacked land ownership and legal permits.
The committee previously sought legal recourse, unsuccessfully.
Media access to the site was restricted initially, but later allowed with supervision.
- Who
- Forest Department and Mazar Committee
- What
- Demolition of four mazars
- When
- June 9, 2025
- Where
- Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Bahraich district, UP
- Why
- Structures were built without land ownership proof and required permits.
Mazar Committee
Forest Department
Legality of Structures
Mazar Committee
The demolition is contested.
Forest Department
Structures were illegal due to lack of land ownership and permits.
Annual Fair
Mazar Committee
The annual urs has been held for centuries.
Forest Department
The forest department recently banned the annual fair.
- Location
- Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Bahraich
- Structures Demolished
- Lakkar Shah Baba, Bhawar Shah, Chaman Shah, Shahn Shah mazars
- Legal Basis
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Reason for Demolition
- Lack of land ownership and required permits
- Committee Response
- Considering legal action
- Media Access
- Restricted initially, later allowed under supervision
