The Haridwar district administration, acting on direct orders from the Uttarakhand government, has halted the construction of a large mosque in the Sultanpur village area. The move came after local residents raised significant concerns, alleging that the structure was being built without the necessary permissions and in stark violation of established building codes. The incident highlights the state government’s intensified drive against illegal and unauthorised constructions, particularly those of a religious nature, across Uttarakhand.
Sources indicate that the controversy escalated after local community members, including Hindu organisations, brought the issue to the attention of the state government. Complaints specifically cited the height of the minarets, which were reportedly under construction to a staggering 250 feet, a height well above the permissible limits set by local regulations. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit was promptly directed to investigate the matter and ensure that all building activity was stopped immediately.
“The construction of the mosque has been stopped, and the matter is under investigation,” District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit confirmed. He added that a formal notice has been served to the mosque committee, instructing them to furnish all relevant documentation related to land ownership and construction approvals for administrative scrutiny. The committee has reportedly agreed to halt construction until the required paperwork is presented and cleared.
The administrative action is being viewed within the larger context of the state government’s ongoing campaign against illegal encroachments. This statewide drive has seen the demolition of over 500 unauthorised shrines and religious structures in recent months, a policy that has been at the forefront of the administration’s governance agenda. Officials maintain that the action is not directed at any specific community but is a necessary step to ensure that all construction, irrespective of its nature, adheres to the law.
The issue is particularly sensitive in Haridwar, a city of immense religious significance for Hindus. Local sentiments have been running high, with some community leaders questioning the source of funds for such a large project and urging the government to conduct a thorough financial inquiry. They argue that the magnitude of the project, especially its height, is disruptive to the city’s spiritual and cultural ethos. The ongoing scrutiny from both the public and government officials underscores the delicate balance required in managing urban development and religious sensitivities in a sacred city like Haridwar. The outcome of the document review by the administration will determine the future of the project and could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
The administration’s swift response to the local complaints is seen as a clear signal from the state government that compliance with the rule of law is non-negotiable. It reinforces the administration’s commitment to ensuring that all construction activities are transparent, legal, and respectful of the state’s urban planning and religious harmony. The construction has been underway for several months, which has now been brought to a standstill pending the administrative review.
