The tomb built on the pond land was demolished, major action by the administration
Moradabad: In Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh, the administration took major action against illegal encroachment by demolishing the shrine of Baba Faulad Shah and its associated structures built on pond land. This action took place in the revenue village of Pakbara, located near Tirthankara Mahavir University (TMU). A joint team from the Revenue Department, the Municipal Council of Pakbara, and the police administration was present at the scene. The administration stated that the pond land has been cleared of encroachment following the action.
The case relates to Khata No. 1180 of the revenue village of Pakbara. In revenue records, this land is listed as non-agricultural submerged land, i.e., pond land, under Category 6 (1). According to the administration, the shrine of Baba Faulad Shah was first built on this land, and later, permanent constructions were gradually encroached upon it.
A case was filed in the Tehsildar Sadar Court under Section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code. Following the hearing, the Tehsildar Sadar Court issued an order in December 2025 to remove the encroachment. In addition, Mehboob, the encroacher, was also fined ₹1,73,340 and ₹4,000 for litigation expenses.
Mehboob filed an appeal in the District Magistrate’s Court against the Tehsildar’s order. During the hearing, the District Magistrate’s Court examined all the parties and documents. The Court stated that ponds are not only a means of water conservation, but also play an important role in maintaining environmental balance, protecting groundwater levels, and harvesting rainwater.
The District Magistrate’s Court stated in its order that private use of pond land or altering its original form is against the rules. After reviewing all the facts, the District Magistrate’s Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the Tehsildar Sadar’s earlier order.
The administrative team then arrived at the site and proceeded to demolish the shrine and other permanent structures with a bulldozer. Police were also deployed to maintain security during the action. The administration clarified that any illegal occupation of government land will not be tolerated and action will continue as per the rules.
Mazar Committee Objects
Following the administration’s action, Shakir Hussain, a member of the Baba Faulad Shah Mazar Committee, protested. He claimed that the mazar is very old and that the Urs festival was held there every October. He alleged that the committee was not given any notice or information before the mazar was removed. The administration, however, maintains that the action was taken based on a court order and only after examining all land-related records.
Previous Actions Have Been Taken
The administration has previously taken action against illegal constructions in Moradabad district. Previously, the Moradabad Development Authority (MDA) removed an illegal mazar built in a park in Sector 10 of the Naya Moradabad Scheme. Apart from this, the administration has also taken action against the illegal mosque built on the pond land of Didori village, the tomb built on the land of Chamunda temple in Bhojpur, the tomb of Hazrat Sultan Shah located on Kanth Road and the illegal mosque built in Belwara village. The administration says that the campaign to free government lands from illegal encroachments will continue in future also.
