9 Temples and A Mazar Demolished for Moradabad-Kashipur Four-Lane Highway Project
Image Source: Amar Ujala
Meerut: As part of the Moradabad-Kashipur four-lane highway expansion, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in coordination with the Moradabad district administration, demolished nine temples, a graveyard, and a mazar in the Dilari area on Sunday. The under-construction highway is set to enhance connectivity from Moradabad to Thakurdwara, Kashipur, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
The clearance drive sparked protests in Usmanpur village, where a Shiva temple was among the structures torn down. Led by SDM Preeti Singh and Circle Officer Rudra Kumar Singh, the operation was carried out under tight security, with substantial support from police and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), due to the sensitive nature of the demolitions.
Officials used earthmoving machinery throughout the day to remove encroachments. In Usmanpur, locals appealed for a delay to save the temple. Protesters raised slogans and opposed the removal of idols using JCB machines, calling it disrespectful. However, the police managed to control the situation before it escalated. Rudra Kumar Singh stated that although some villagers requested more time, the demolition continued as the project had already been delayed.
Preeti Singh explained that prior notices had been issued for all unauthorized religious structures obstructing the construction. She noted that despite rain, the demolition proceeded under heavy police presence, and all targeted structures had been previously marked by the tehsil administration. She added that law and order were maintained throughout the operation.
The Moradabad–Thakurdwara–Kashipur stretch of National Highway 734 (NH-734) is being upgraded to a four-lane road under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model. The 33.7-km project, estimated to cost ₹1,841.92 crore, aims to strengthen road links between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, incorporating bypasses around Moradabad and Kashipur.
Once completed, the highway is expected to cut down travel time between major cities like Delhi, Meerut, Bareilly, and Moradabad, and enhance access to popular destinations such as Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve via Ramnagar. To facilitate the construction, NHAI has been acquiring land and clearing encroachments, including several religious structures removed on May 12.
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- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
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