Demolition drive conducted in Sambhal on illegal construction

A bulldozing operation is underway at an alleged illegal Eidgah and mosque in Sambhal. | Photo credit: ANI

The Sambhal administration on Friday (July 17, 2026) conducted a demolition drive under Hazratnagar Garhi police station limits against illegal encroachments, including an Eidgah built on government land. The building was built on a plot of land measuring 312 m2.

“This is barren land. It has been encroached upon through construction. After a hearing in the Tehsildar Court, an order was issued to remove the encroachment and this order is being enforced today. We intend to put this reclaimed village land to good use by allocating it to the landless families in the village to enable those who are still living below the poverty line to lead a dignified life,” said Magistrate Sambithalwal, Samkithalwal, Magistrate.

Authorities demolish an alleged illegal Eidgah built at a graveyard in UP’s Sambhal

He further added that an investigation is underway to find out who carried out the intervention. “Construction is estimated to take about five years, although further investigation is needed to confirm the details. The government has long had a clear policy to remove encroachments from public lands and resettle the landless. While there is no immediate plan to include these particular people in this particular program, the process of reclaiming land and resettling the landless is ongoing and will continue. All encroachers should be removed voluntarily, if their encroachments are removed, they will also be voluntarily removed against them,” he said.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 21:01 IST