After a report in Panchjanya raised alarm over illegal mazaars being built in Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar district, the District Development Authority (DDA) acted swiftly, issuing a notice to the Khadim of the Bhullan Shah Mazar. The notice, demanding a response within two days, alleges that the mazaar in question has been constructed without the necessary government permissions on both the first and second floors.
Kashipur, located in Udham Singh Nagar district, is a city rich in religious and cultural history, with several important temples and heritage sites recognised by the Archaeological Department. The recent discovery of more than thirty illegal mazaars in the city has raised serious concerns among residents and experts alike. These structures, many of which are suspected of being built on government land, seem to be part of a broader trend of encroachment and illegal construction.
It is important to note that Kashipur, often referred to as a “Hindu belief city,” is home to several renowned religious landmarks, including the Moteshwar Mahadev Temple, Chaiti Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Nag Shakti Temple, Dron Sagar, and Girital. These sites are central to Sanatan religious beliefs and attract a significant number of devotees every year. However, in recent times, large mazaars and tombs have started springing up in the city, with many being built on land that is either government-owned or privately owned, causing tensions among landowners and residents.
One particular mazaar under construction near a school in the Katorataal area of Kashipur has drawn attention for its opulent design and large scale. This mazaar’s construction is in direct violation of Supreme Court directives, which state that no new religious construction can take place without the approval of the District Magistrate. In this case, the Uttarakhand High Court has also stepped in, designating the DM as the nodal officer for monitoring such construction activities.
Experts have pointed out that Kashipur, a historically Hindu-majority city, has never been known for a large Muslim population or an excess of religious tombs. The sudden appearance of numerous mazaars has raised suspicions about their real purpose. Many residents believe that these tombs may have been constructed not for religious purposes, but for encroaching on land.
Recent investigations by the Uttarakhand government have already led to the demolition of over 500 illegal tombs across the state, with no human remains being discovered in any of them. This has fueled further scepticism among experts, who suspect that these tombs are not places of worship for Muslims but rather commercial spaces.
The sudden rise in the number of luxurious mazaars, many of which are believed to be funded by unknown sources, has raised several important questions: Who is behind the funding of these constructions? With whose permission are they being built? And most importantly, what is the real motive behind their construction?
In light of these concerns, the Udham Singh Nagar District Development Authority has issued its notice, and investigations are ongoing to determine the ownership of the land on which these mazaars have been built. If any of these structures are found to be on government land, they will be demolished as per the law.
As the authorities continue their probe, the residents of Kashipur remain wary of the growing trend of illegal religious constructions and the potential for further encroachment in the city. While the administration has acted to curb these developments, the underlying questions about the motivations and funding behind these mazaars remain unanswered.
