• Source:JND
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Authorities in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly intervened to halt the illegal construction of a mosque, where part of a government-owned pond leased for fish farming was allegedly filled to expand the mosque. Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Tripti Gupta along with police officials inspected the site on Sunday following a complaint by a Hindutva organisation. Upon warning of action, the mosque management committee agreed to demolish the encroached structure.

The management committee managed to remove 60 per cent of the illegal encroachment using manual tools, with the remaining work scheduled for Tuesday. The pond was adjacent to the mosque, leased to Shehla Begum for ten years. 

Local officials had earlier overlooked the encroachment. The mosque committee claimed the encroachment was unintentional, citing a lack of awareness about the pond’s boundaries.

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During the inspection, it was found that 12 other houses had also encroached upon the pond’s banks. These residents were issued warnings to remove their illegal expansions. Additionally, to maintain peace during the mosque demolition, security forces were deployed to prevent any communal tension.

SDM Gupta stated that all encroachments on the pond and other government lands would be removed, with strict action to follow after proper measurement. Officials noted that measuring the pond was currently challenging due to water levels.

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Meanwhile, the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) announced plans to enhance surveillance of illegal constructions using drone technology. On Monday, BDA Vice President Manikandan A and Secretary Yogendra Kumar reviewed presentations by various agencies on drone-based monitoring systems. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and curb unauthorised developments across the city.