The district administration in Sambhal has intensified its campaign against alleged encroachments, citing the need to preserve the area’s historical and cultural heritage. On Saturday, a significant operation targeted encroachments near the Pap Mochan Tirtha area. Spearheaded by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra, the crackdown involved multiple departments, including municipal and revenue officials, and heavy machinery like JCBs to clear unauthorised structures.
As per The Hindu, the action focused on the Holika Dahan Sthal and the Pap Mochan Tirtha, located in Tiwari Sarai on Bahjoi Road under the jurisdiction of Sadar Kotwali. Numerous makeshift shops and structures around these religious landmarks were demolished, with municipal teams ensuring the clearance of encroachments to maintain the sanctity and accessibility of the sites.
SDM Vandana Mishra emphasised the importance of the drive, stating, “Encroachments on the Holika Dahan site behind this pilgrimage area have been removed. Legal action will be taken against those illegally occupying these lands.”
The operation followed an inspection on Friday by District Magistrate (DM) Dr. Rajendra Pensia and Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishnan Vishnoi. They identified several illegal structures and ordered their immediate removal to safeguard the region’s heritage.
Encroachments near the Munni Mata Temple in Tiwari Sarai were also removed. Temporary structures and bamboo barricades were dismantled. While some residents requested more time to vacate, most complied voluntarily to avoid property damage.
DM Pensia announced plans to map important heritage sites across Sambhal, install signage to aid accessibility for tourists and devotees, and promote the district’s cultural legacy. “Preserving religious and historical sites is essential for maintaining the spiritual and cultural identity of the region,” he said.
The administration’s actions have drawn both support and criticism, with some praising the preservation efforts and others questioning the impact on local livelihoods.
