Ujjain Demolition Drive: Residents Stage Sit-in Protest Near Begambagh Opposing Action

Residents staged a sit-in on the road on Friday, May 23, to protest the demolition drive planned in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain. The demolition, part of a major road-widening and bridge construction project by the Ujjain Development Authority, marked 33 houses and shops for demolition in the densely populated area.

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Early this morning, Municipal and administrative teams, accompanied by JCB machines and a large police contingent, arrived at the site. Residents, many of whom had received prior notices, responded by staging a sit-in on the road, blocking access and voicing their opposition to the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

ASP Nitesh Bhargav said, "The situation is now normal. An agreement was reached after intervention and explanation by the district and police administration. Over 150 police personnel are present at the site. The operation has begun peacefully, and there are no more protests."

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Protests erupted near Begambagh, just 300 meters from the Mahakaleshwar Temple, as residents opposed a demolition drive. Under a road-widening and bridge construction project by the Ujjain Development Authority, 33 houses and shops were marked for… pic.twitter.com/4OsTrqBKFD

— IANS (@ians_india) May 23, 2025

After a 3-hour protest near Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Begambagh, peace was restored. Ujjain Development Authority CEO Sandeep Soni said, "About one and a half years ago, this entire area you see was part of a development plan by the Ujjain Development Authority (UDA). Some individuals neither renewed their leases nor complied with the lease terms. Land meant for residential purposes was used commercially, and in some cases, was subdivided without the authority's permission..."

The Begambagh route leading to the Mahakal Temple has been closed to the public as a precaution, with police maintaining a heavy presence to prevent any escalation.  However, many residents remain dissatisfied and are demanding reconsideration of the demolition plans.

The current drive is part of a broader urban development initiative in Ujjain, which includes the expansion of roads and infrastructure around the Mahakaleshwar Temple ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.