Haldwani: A major development has taken place in Banbhulpura, Haldwani, where the Supreme Court has ordered the removal of encroachment from 30.04 hectares of land.
This includes the violence-hit Company Bagh area, known locally as Malik’s garden, which witnessed riots two years ago when police and administration teams faced stone-pelting and petrol bomb attacks.
Riots in February 2024
On February 8, 2024, officials went to demolish illegal constructions, including a madrasa and prayer place built on government land. Rioters attacked with stones and petrol bombs, setting the Banbhulpura police station on fire. More than 250 people were injured, including police officers, municipal staff, and media personnel. Despite the chaos, no immediate action was taken at that time.
Railway land issue
The encroached land involves eight wards. Five wards will be completely affected: Gafur Basti (Ward 24), Line Numbers 17–20 (Ward 25), Naya Basti (Ward 26), Indiranagar West (Ward 32), and Indiranagar East (Ward 33). Three wards—Kidwai Nagar (Ward 15), Indiranagar South (Ward 30), and Company Bagh (Ward 31)—will be partially affected.
Of the total 30.04 hectares, 16.556 hectares were already registered in the name of the Railways. The Railways has also acquired 13.484 hectares of Nazul land from the state government for expansion. Only 13 buildings on this land are freehold, and compensation will be provided to their owners.
Police station construction
Following the riots, the government decided to build a new police station on a large portion of Malik’s garden to send a strong message to rioters. Construction is in its final stages, with a budget of ₹4 crore approved for the project. SSP Manjunath TC confirmed that the building is being constructed with government approval.
Security arrangements
On the day of the Supreme Court verdict, police forces from nearby stations were deployed in Banbhulpura. Later, a company of PAC personnel was stationed to maintain order. City Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Katyal stated that strict security arrangements are in place to prevent any disturbance.
PM Awas Yojana survey
Meanwhile, the cut-off date for the PM Housing Scheme survey has been set for September 1, 2024. Families living in the area after this date will not be included in the process.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has cleared the way for removal of encroachment from Banbhulpura’s sensitive land. With police station construction, railway expansion, and strict security, the administration aims to restore order and prevent future unrest.