A major demolition drive that saw more than 20 structures razed in Varanasi’s historic Dalmandi market to widen the road to the Kashi Vishwanath temple fuelled protests and panic on 9 February 2026.
On Monday, municipal workers, supported by the Public Works Department (PWD) and Varanasi Development Authority, began dismantling around 21 structures in Dalmandi – the narrow, centuries-old market running close to the sacred precincts of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor as part of an urban redevelopment and road-widening exercise.
The scale of demolition described by officials as the biggest single-day action in the area to date caused shock among residents and traders. Dozens of properties, including shops and homes, were brought down using bulldozers under tight surveillance, while hundreds of police personnel were stationed across the market to prevent escalation.
Tension peaked when a visibly distressed shopkeeper poured petrol over his own building and set it alight, allegedly in protest against the demolition drive, prompting firefighters and authorities to intervene to control the blaze and evacuate bystanders. The man fled the scene and remains at large, according to multiple local reports.
Local traders and residents repeatedly appealed to authorities for at least a 10-day extension to vacate their properties many of which have been in families for generations but said their requests were turned down. In several emotional exchanges captured on social media, market vendors were seen crying and imploring officials to halt the bulldozers.
Police detained at least four to eight people allegedly involved in creating unrest at the site. Officials also insisted that further disciplinary action would be taken against those disturbing law and order.
Administrative Rationale vs. Traders’ Grievances
Authorities defending the operation have repeatedly said the road widening is intended to improve access for devotees and pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple, one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines, and to ease chronic congestion in the narrow lanes of the old city. The demolition drive is estimated to affect up to 187 properties identified as dilapidated or unsafe and obstructing traffic flow.
“Demolition is being done in accordance with municipal plans after issuing notices,” a district official told reporters. “This stretch needs to be widened for public convenience and safety.” Compensation, they added, will be based on established land values and structural norms, and property titles are being verified before acquisition.
Yet many Dalmandi traders and residents dispute the fairness of the process. While some accept the need for infrastructure upgrades in principle, they argue that notices were served too late and that rehabilitation or alternative commercial space has not been adequately provided. Several shop owners told media they have run their businesses there for decades, and “this market is more than shops it is our community and heritage.”
Dalmandi, historically known as Hakim Mohammad Jafar Marg and one of Varanasi’s major traditional marketplaces is home to hundreds of small enterprises, many run by families whose businesses date back generations.
Political Backdrop and Broader Controversies
The demolition in Dalmandi is part of a larger urban transformation project linked to the Kashi Vishwanath corridor and related infrastructure improvements that have been underway for several years. The corridor and its ancillary works have previously drawn criticism for reshaping the city’s heritage landscape, with some critics saying that traditional neighbourhoods and markets are being eroded in the name of modernisation.
In recent months, political opponents have also condemned the demolition as excessive and ill-timed, with leaders like Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav calling it a “political exercise” aimed at disenfranchising local communities that do not align politically with the state government claims that have been vigorously denied by the ruling party.
At one point in 2025, the Allahabad High Court intervened in concerns over forced demolition, directing that structures not be disturbed unless titles were properly acquired a directive that reflected the legal complexity surrounding property rights in Dalmandi.
Human and Cultural Dimensions Under Strain
Beyond politics and planning, the demolition drive has touched raw emotional nerves among many in Varanasi. Dalmandi is not just a marketplace; it is a living mosaic of history, culture, faith and community woven into the city’s ancient urban fabric. Traders’ tales of loss often intertwine economic anxiety with a sense of cultural dislocation.
“The market is part of Varanasi’s soul,” said one resident. “Once these lanes vanish, what will remain of our memory of this place?” echoed another plea posted on social forums by a Varanasi native lamenting the erasure of narrow streets and traditional shops.
Critics argue that while road infrastructure upgrades may be necessary, authorities should be mindful of safeguarding living heritage and ensuring that affected communities are not left without means or dignity.
Observers note that protests have drawn participants from all walks of life – not just merchants – reflecting growing concerns over urban redevelopment practices in historic Indian cities.
A Logical Indian Perspective
The Logical Indian believes that development need not come at the cost of compassion, dialogue and justice. While infrastructure improvement can open doors for greater safety and accessibility for millions of pilgrims and residents alike, it should be pursued with transparent planning, fair rehabilitation and meaningful engagement with affected communities.
Heritage cities like Varanasi thrive not merely on roads and monuments but on the countless everyday stories embedded in markets like Dalmandi.
Policies that reshape these spaces must protect the dignity, livelihoods and cultural identity of the people who sustain them.
