Ayodhya Demolishes Houses Built on Encroached Mythological Saptsaagar Land
The Ayodhya administration demolished several houses in the posh Saptsaagar Colony, which had allegedly been built on encroached land that once housed the mythological Saptsaagar pond. The demolitions, carried out during the midnight hours from Monday to Tuesday, have sparked a heated debate, with residents and political figures expressing their outrage over the manner in which the action was taken.
The Saptsaagar pond, mentioned in various ancient religious texts, has long been an important part of the region’s mythology. According to local folklore, it was a sacred water body that held both historical and spiritual significance. However, over time, the pond has reportedly disappeared, as it was encroached upon and gradually filled up for land development. The land, covering eight bighas, has now become the site of the Saptsaagar Colony, which is said to be built on the area where the pond once stood. Authorities confirmed that the land in question belongs to plot number 67, which historically housed the Saptsaagar pond. However, houses have been constructed on adjacent plot number 95, which is alleged to have been part of the encroached area. Despite residents possessing valid documentation, including land registration, mutation records, and sanctioned blueprints from the Ayodhya Development Authority, their homes were demolished without any prior notice.
The demolition operation has sparked considerable controversy, especially as many of the residents had obtained their plots through legitimate channels. Manisha Gupta, one of the affected residents, claimed that she had purchased land in 2018 in the Saptsaagar Colony, with the proper legal documentation in place. She alleged that after completing the registry, obtaining mutation, and receiving approval from the Ayodhya Development Authority, she had even secured a bank loan for construction. Gupta expressed shock and dismay that her newly built house had been demolished without warning. The issue has also drawn political attention, with Samajwadi Party’s Faizabad MP, Awadhesh Prasad, criticising the bulldozer action. At a press conference, Prasad pointed out that despite the residents’ legal documentation, their homes were demolished without notice, leaving them homeless. He announced plans to launch a movement to support the victims of the demolition, calling for justice.
Sub-District Magistrate Vikas Dubey explained that the land occupied by the residents was originally part of plot number 67, where the Saptsaagar pond was located. However, the houses were built on plot number 95, which had allegedly been encroached upon. Dubey maintained that the authorities were within their rights to take action, as the land had been encroached illegally. The demolition has raised questions about the balance between development and heritage preservation, as well as the role of urban planning authorities in managing encroachment. The situation highlights the challenges faced by residents who, despite having acquired property through legitimate means, find themselves at the mercy of authorities who are enforcing anti-encroachment measures.
This incident is part of a broader issue in Ayodhya, where several other mythological ponds mentioned in religious texts have vanished over time due to encroachment and land sales. The case of Saptsaagar Colony sheds light on the growing tension between modern urban development and the preservation of historically and culturally significant sites. As the controversy unfolds, questions regarding urbanisation, land rights, and the preservation of local heritage are likely to remain at the forefront of political and social discourse in Ayodhya. The issue also underscores the need for clearer communication and proper notice for residents affected by such actions, especially when they have legal documentation to back their claims.
