11 months ago
Varanasi Dalmandi Demolitions Begin Amidst Shopkeeper Protests
Imagine a busy street in a historic market in a city called Varanasi.
This street is too narrow for all the people and cars trying to get through, especially because many tourists visit a nearby temple.
So, the government wants to make the street wider.
To do this, they need to tear down some buildings along the street.
Some people who own shops there are sad and angry because they feel the money offered for their shops isn't enough to start over.
They also worry about people who rent shops and don't own the buildings, as there isn't a clear plan for them.
The government says this road widening is important to help people get around more easily, but the shopkeepers are hoping for better help so they can continue their businesses.
Demolitions have commenced in Varanasi's historic Dalmandi market for a road-widening project, despite protests from shopkeepers.
The project aims to widen a 650-meter stretch of road from 3-4 meters to 17.4 meters to improve traffic flow and accessibility.
Shopkeepers are protesting, citing insufficient compensation for property owners and a lack of clear plans for tenants who rely on the market for their livelihood.
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation has also issued notices for significant pending tax dues, threatening property attachment if not paid.
Government officials state the project is crucial due to increased tourism and pilgrimage after the redevelopment of the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Who
- Shop owners and traders in Varanasi's historic Dalmandi market, Public Works Department (PWD), Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC), and government officials.
- What
- Demolition of buildings has begun for a road-widening project, leading to protests from shopkeepers concerned about inadequate compensation and lack of rehabilitation plans for tenants.
- Where
- Dalmandi, a historic market in Varanasi, located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- When
- Demolitions began on Wednesday, with notices issued earlier.
- Why
- To widen the road from 3-4 meters to 17.4 meters to improve accessibility, ease traffic flow for the increasing number of tourists and pilgrims, and enhance basic facilities.
Shopkeepers & Traders
Government & Public Works Department (PWD)
Compensation Adequacy
Shopkeepers & Traders
Compensation offered to property owners is too little to afford buying new land and rebuilding lives. There is significant uncertainty regarding compensation for tenants who have been running businesses for decades.
Government & Public Works Department (PWD)
Compensation is being provided for properties after verification of land documents. The process is underway, and pending tax dues may be deducted from compensation.
Impact on Livelihoods
Shopkeepers & Traders
The demolition of shops, many of which are rented and have been family-run for generations, threatens the livelihoods of traders and tenants with no clear rehabilitation plan.
Government & Public Works Department (PWD)
The road-widening is essential to improve traffic flow and accessibility for the growing number of tourists and pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and nearby ghats.
Transparency and Fairness
Shopkeepers & Traders
Some owners feel they were cheated with low compensation. Traders are considering legal action to stop demolitions due to concerns about fairness and lack of consultation.
Government & Public Works Department (PWD)
Notices have been issued to affected properties for pending municipal taxes. The project is seen as a necessary development for the city's infrastructure and management.
Key facts
- Project Location
- Dalmandi, Varanasi
- Road Widening Stretch
- 650 meters
- Current Road Width
- 3-4 meters
- Target Road Width
- 17.4 meters
- Affected Buildings Identified
- 186
- Shops in Dalmandi
- ~500
- Pending Tax Dues Mentioned
- Approx. Rs 2 crore
Quotes
K K Singh
Executive Engineer, PWD
“Road-widening work has officially begun. So far, compensation has been provided for three properties after verification of land-related documents.”
indianexpress.com
“Since the area is extremely congested, earthmovers could not be used. Hence, the demolition was carried out manually by labourers.”
indianexpress.com
Rajesh Gandhi
Household utensils shop owner
“So far, only building owners are being considered for compensation, while shopkeepers, who depend entirely on this market for their livelihood, have been left in uncertainty.”
indianexpress.com
“… We have now accepted that our shops will be demolished. All we ask from the government is fair compensation so we can restart our business elsewhere.”
indianexpress.com
Mohammad Ashraf
Household utensils shop owner
“The land they are taking away is very precious to me. I have already submitted all the required documents for verification, but the compensation being offered is far too little…”
indianexpress.com
“I cannot stop the process… my only request is that they increase the compensation amount so that I can buy another piece of land and rebuild my life.”
indianexpress.com
Shahabuddin
Shopkeeper
“We are now planning to approach court to stop the authorities from taking over our buildings. Many of us have been running our shops here for decades.”
indianexpress.com
“We’ve heard that the owner feels she was cheated because the compensation she received was far less than what she was expecting.”
indianexpress.com
Mritunjay Mishra
Additional Municipal Commissioner
“If the dues are not cleared despite the notices, we will initiate proceedings to attach the properties and recover the outstanding amount.”
indianexpress.com
“Demand notices have been served to these owners, instructing them to deposit the dues within the stipulated time.”
indianexpress.com
