Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh – In a rare instance of community-led action against illegal encroachment, a mosque and a madrassa in Sambhal district were dismantled by members of the Muslim community and the mosque committee themselves, just before the deadline of a government notice for their removal expired. The land, previously occupied illegally, has now been cleared and allotted on lease to 20 economically weaker families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, officials confirmed on Sunday.

The structures, identified as the ‘Madina mosque’ and its adjoining madrassa, were found to have been constructed illegally around 20 to 25 years ago on a 1,339-square-metre plot of government land in Salempur Salar, also known locally as Hajipur village. According to the district administration, these structures had been standing for decades without any formal approval, and repeated complaints over the encroachment had been lodged over the years.

Government Notice and Community Response

In response to the long-standing encroachment, the District Magistrate of Sambhal, Rajender Pensiya, had issued a four-month notice to the parties concerned, directing them to remove the structures voluntarily. The notice was set to expire on Sunday, January 4, giving the administration the authority to take formal action if compliance was not achieved. However, before the deadline arrived, the mosque committee and local members of the Muslim community took the initiative to demolish the illegal structures themselves.

Officials reported that the demolition began on Saturday and continued into Sunday morning. Using hammers and other basic tools, community members actively dismantled both the mosque and the madrassa, ensuring that no administrative force had to intervene to enforce the removal. Tehsildar Sadar Dhirendra Pratap Singh remarked on the unusual turn of events, stating, “This is a good thing. It’s always positive when people realise their mistake and take corrective action themselves.”

The district magistrate, Rajender Pensiya, echoed the sentiment, noting that such voluntary compliance reflects positively on the community. “The illegally constructed mosque and madrassa were removed by the members of the Muslim community themselves. This is a demonstration of civic responsibility and cooperation with the administration,” he said.

Administration Oversight and Support

While the demolition was carried out voluntarily by the community, government authorities were on-site to supervise and ensure that the process remained orderly. Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar confirmed that police personnel from six police stations and two platoons of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) were deployed during the clearance operations. Their presence was primarily to maintain law and order and prevent any potential conflicts during the removal of the structures.

A team under the supervision of Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh had also been formed specifically to monitor the removal of illegal encroachments in the area. The combined efforts of the administration and community members allowed for a smooth and peaceful dismantling of the structures, avoiding the confrontations that sometimes accompany government-led demolition drives.

Land Clearance and Future Use

Following the demolition, the administration cleared the debris and prepared the site for its intended purpose. In a move aimed at providing housing for economically weaker sections, the cleared land was allotted on lease to 20 poor families. The government has announced that residential houses will be constructed on this plot under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the flagship housing scheme designed to provide affordable housing to marginalized sections of society.

Officials emphasized that the project will not only help address housing shortages but also ensure proper utilization of government land that had remained encroached for decades. The transformation of the land from an illegal structure to a planned residential area represents a significant step in local urban management and social welfare.

Community Cooperation and Civic Awareness

The voluntary demolition of the mosque and madrassa by the community has been hailed by officials as an example of civic awareness and responsible citizenship. Unlike typical cases of encroachment removal, which often involve protracted legal battles and confrontations with authorities, the cooperative approach in Sambhal avoided conflict and demonstrated the community’s willingness to abide by law and order.

Local residents expressed approval of the outcome, noting that the site will now benefit people in need rather than remain occupied illegally. “It is heartening to see the community take responsibility and also help poor families get houses. This is a positive step for the village,” said one resident of Salempur Salar.

Historical Context of the Encroachment

According to records maintained by the district administration, the Madina mosque and madrassa were constructed without the necessary approvals or permissions from municipal and state authorities. Over the years, several notices and warnings had been issued, but compliance had been delayed or ignored. The structures, standing for over two decades, were considered illegal encroachments on government land, which could have been repurposed for public welfare projects.

The administration had initially planned to carry out demolition under official supervision once the notice period expired. However, the proactive involvement of the mosque committee and community members eliminated the need for a forceful operation, reflecting a rare instance of voluntary compliance in matters of illegal encroachments.

Law Enforcement and Security Measures

The presence of a significant police contingent ensured that the demolition proceeded without incidents of violence or unrest. Superintendent Krishan Kumar clarified that the security arrangements were precautionary in nature. “We deployed police from six stations along with two PAC platoons to maintain peace and ensure that the demolition was completed safely. Thankfully, no untoward incident occurred during the process,” he said.

The tehsildar and district magistrate monitored the entire operation closely, coordinating with local authorities and community representatives to ensure that the demolition was conducted efficiently. The administration’s ability to work collaboratively with the community has been praised as an example of effective governance at the local level.

Future Prospects for the Cleared Land

The allotment of the cleared land to 20 economically weaker families is expected to begin with construction work under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Officials confirmed that these houses will provide a permanent solution to housing shortages in the village, allowing beneficiaries to move into safe and legal homes.

The initiative also reflects the broader goal of the government to reclaim encroached land and repurpose it for public welfare. By converting illegally occupied land into residential plots for the poor, the administration demonstrates a focus on equitable urban development and the protection of community interests.

Conclusion

The dismantling of the illegally constructed Madina mosque and madrassa in Sambhal district highlights a unique example of community cooperation with government authorities in resolving longstanding encroachment issues. By voluntarily removing the structures before the notice period expired, members of the Muslim community and the mosque committee avoided potential conflict and paved the way for the land to be used for social welfare purposes.

The cleared land has now been allotted to 20 economically weaker families, who will benefit from the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The incident serves as a case study in how civic responsibility, administrative oversight, and law enforcement can work together to address illegal encroachments and improve community welfare. Officials and residents alike have welcomed the outcome, noting that it sets a precedent for responsible action in similar cases across the region.

With proper monitoring and timely execution of housing projects, the land that once stood illegally occupied will soon provide secure, legal, and dignified homes for families who need them most, transforming a decades-old problem into a story of community-led progress and government support.