Varanasi Avleshpur Demolition Drive Sparks Protest as Residents Question Anti-Encroachment Action

VARANASI: A major anti-encroachment drive conducted by municipal authorities in Varanasi’s Avleshpur area on Thursday triggered tension and protests as bulldozers demolished several structures identified as alleged illegal encroachments. The operation was carried out amid heavy security deployment, including police teams, PAC personnel, and women police officers, to maintain law and order during the drive.

According to officials, the demolition action was part of an ongoing campaign against illegal occupation of government land. Authorities stated that the drive was conducted following administrative procedures and official directives, with adequate arrangements made to prevent any untoward incident.

As the demolition progressed, several local residents — particularly women — gathered at the site and strongly opposed the action. Many claimed that families had been living in the area for years and depended on temporary sheds and small structures for shelter, small businesses, and livestock care.

Some residents also raised allegations of selective action, claiming that local political and voting-related factors may have influenced the demolition process. However, no official confirmation or evidence supporting these allegations has emerged so far.

Affected families further claimed that they possessed land-related documents and had attempted to present them before revenue officials before the demolition took place. According to residents, their concerns were allegedly not addressed adequately before the action began.

The incident has now intensified discussions surrounding rehabilitation, due process, and the human impact of anti-encroachment campaigns in densely populated areas. While authorities continue to defend the operation as lawful and necessary for clearing encroachments, affected residents are demanding that their grievances and long-term occupancy claims also be considered.

The Avleshpur demolition drive has become another major talking point in Varanasi, highlighting the growing debate between urban administrative action and the concerns of local communities dependent on such settlements for their livelihood.