Ayodhya Development Authority Cracks Down on Illegal Construction Near Dhannipur Mosque Site
The Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) took decisive action on Friday by demolishing walls and pillars that had been erected illegally by private developers. These structures were used to demarcate plot boundaries across a vast area of approximately 16 lakh square feet surrounding the proposed Dhannipur mosque site. This enforcement drive highlights ongoing regulatory challenges in the region following significant judicial mandates.
Background of Land Acquisition and Plotting Violations
Soon after the Supreme Court's landmark Babri Masjid verdict, which included provisions for mosque construction, local real estate agents swiftly acquired lands adjacent to the designated site in Dhannipur. These developers subsequently began selling plots at significantly inflated prices, capitalizing on the area's heightened prominence. However, officials confirmed that this plotting activity was conducted without obtaining the mandatory permissions from the Ayodhya Development Authority and failed to meet other essential regulatory criteria.
ADA official Mahendra Kumar Singh reported that authorities have identified around 29 specific locations within the area where property dealers were flagrantly violating rules. These violations involved unauthorized plotting of lands and arbitrary sales, undermining planned development and legal frameworks.
Historical Context and Legal Mandates
The Supreme Court's verdict on November 9, 2019, was a pivotal moment, mandating the allocation of five acres of land to the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board. This allocation was specifically for the construction of a mosque and the development of associated facilities, aiming to foster harmony and compliance with judicial directives.
On August 3, 2020, the then district magistrate of Ayodhya, Anuj Kumar Jha, formally transferred possession of the five-acre land parcel to the waqf board in Dhannipur village. Following this, the mosque trust submitted an application for plan approval on June 23, 2021. However, in a revealing development in 2025, an RTI reply disclosed that the ADA had rejected the layout plan for the proposed mosque. This rejection was due to the absence of mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various concerned departments, indicating ongoing procedural hurdles.
Implications and Future Outlook
The demolition drive underscores the ADA's commitment to enforcing urban planning laws and preventing unauthorized commercial exploitation in sensitive zones. It also reflects broader issues of land management and regulatory compliance in Ayodhya, a city under intense scrutiny due to its historical and religious significance. As development progresses, stakeholders must navigate complex legal and administrative landscapes to ensure that projects align with both judicial orders and local regulations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established protocols in urban development, particularly in areas earmarked for significant cultural and religious infrastructure. The Ayodhya Development Authority's actions may set a precedent for stricter oversight and more robust enforcement mechanisms in the future.
