Authorities continuing demolition work in Varanasi’s Dalmandi; six mosques among affected sites
New Delhi: Authorities, after a short Eid-ul-Adha breather, are continuing demolition work in the Dalmandi area of Varanasi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the PWD’s road-widening push resumed with force, and by evening, the skyline looked a little different — more than 60 buildings, including six mosques, were reduced to rubble.
Officials say 15 houses came down on Saturday alone, though some on-the-ground reports put the number closer to 18 — a mix of three old structures and 15 freshly marked ones.
Nearly 200 police personnel, paramilitary units, and administrative officers fanned out across the lanes, with ACP Dashashwamedh Atul Anjan overseeing the operation. Drone cameras buzzed overhead, keeping watch while excavators did their job.
“Adequate force was in place so the PWD’s work under the Dalmandi project could proceed peacefully. The situation stayed completely normal,” ACP Atul Anjan said.
The demolition drive was shelved temporarily for Eid-ul-Adha. With the festival wrapped up, crews returned.
So far, the tally stands at 60+ homes demolished, with work ongoing. In total, 181 buildings are marked for removal — a number that’s slowly shrinking as the drive moves phase by phase. Officials expect the pace to pick up in the coming days.
Six mosques also fall within the affected zone, officials confirmed.
