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More than 350 religious structures, 30 mosques, Temple 9′ 25 shrines, 6 Eidgahs, and 225 madrasas were sealed or demolished. In the period between 2017 and 2026
Hyderabad, September 11 (Najaf Ali Shoukat-PMI): Several religious structures have reportedly come under demolition or other action during anti-encroachment drives against alleged illegal constructions and encroachments on government land in Uttar Pradesh. However, no comprehensive, official, religion-wise data covering the entire state from 2017 to September 2026 appears to have been released. Therefore, figures reported from individual districts should not be treated as a statewide total.
In Sambhal, a report published in January 2026 stated that at least 17 mosques, along with several other structures, had been demolished during administrative action. The authorities reportedly linked the structures to alleged encroachments on government or pond land.
In the Uttar Pradesh districts along the India-Nepal border, a major drive against allegedly unauthorised religious structures was reported in 2025. Reports said that more than 350 religious structures, including madrasas, mosques, shrines and Eidgahs, were identified for sealing or demolition. Another report gave a breakdown that included 30 mosques, 25 shrines, 6 Eidgahs and 225 madrasas among the structures covered by the action. These figures refer to structures subjected to different forms of action and should not be interpreted solely as demolitions.
In Moradabad, a clearance drive in May 2025 linked to the four-laning of NH-734 reportedly resulted in the demolition of nine temples, one cemetery and one shrine. The authorities and NHAI reportedly described the action as part of the road-widening project.
In Saharanpur, a mosque located within the district Collectorate premises was demolished in September 2026 following a court decision concerning the structure. The administration reportedly maintained that the construction was unauthorised on government land, while the mosque’s management raised objections regarding the legal procedure.
Reported Figures Available
- Sambhal: At least 17 mosques reportedly demolished.
- India-Nepal border districts: One report cited action against 30 mosques, while more than 350 religious structures were reportedly covered by sealing/demolition action.
- Moradabad: Nine temples reportedly demolished.
- Saharanpur: One mosque demolished in September 2026.
- Statewide total: No comprehensive official religion-wise figure has been established from the available records.
Accordingly, it would be more accurate to state that there are documented cases of both mosques and temples being subjected to demolition during anti-encroachment or development-related drives in Uttar Pradesh, but the available official and credible media records do not establish the total number of mosques and temples demolished across the entire state.
The legal basis for individual actions has also varied from case to case, including alleged encroachment on government land, road-widening projects, and court orders.
The figures cited above are based on reported administrative statements and media reports. They should not be treated as a definitive statewide total unless the Uttar Pradesh government publishes comprehensive district-wise and religion-wise official data. (pressmediaofindia.com)
