UP govt orders removal of religious encroachments

Acting on Supreme Court orders, the Uttar Pradesh government today directed officials concerned to ensure removal of religious encroachments from public places in the state.
A directive to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan in compliance with the apex court order of September 29, 2009.
The Chief Secretary asked all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, vice chairmen of development authorities and nagar ayukts among others to keep the religious sentiments of the people mind while removing such encroachments.
He asked them to make people aware as to how these encroachments affect the lives of common people, an official release here said.

"People should be made aware that most road accidents take place because of illegal construction and encroachments and cause traffic problems on special occasions and affect policing as force has to be deployed there," the release said.
For checking new encroachments, the help of eminent citizens, peace committees and religious persons could also be taken, the release said, adding public opinion should be built against these encroachments.
He also said utmost caution should be maintained at the time of removing encroachments and the land made free be developed immediately so that no fresh encroachment takes place.