Lockdown-like scenes in Omkareshwar, hotels shut:Shutdown over Mamleshwar Lok plan, pilgrims struggle even for tea; locals refuse to relocate

Omkareshwar has come to a standstill as residents of the Brahmapuri and Brahmagiri areas have launched a three-day shutdown against the government’s proposed Rs 120-crore Mamleshwar Lok Project. People fear displacement, demolition of homes, and loss of heritage. Shops, hotels, taxis and boats are shut, and locals say the administration is conducting surveys secretly at night without proper notice. Locals oppose Mamleshwar Lok project Residents say they will support the government’s plans wherever the project is built, but they will not leave their birthplace. They accuse the administration of coming in the early hours, between 3 AM and 4 AM, to conduct surveys in the dark. This has angered families living in Brahmagiri and Brahmapuri. 3-day shutdown in Omkareshwar From Monday morning, the town has remained almost completely closed. Hotels, restaurants, tea shops and stalls did not open. Auto-taxis and boat services on the Narmada also stayed suspended. The shutdown is likely to continue for three days. Why the protest? The government has proposed the Mamleshwar Lok Project, estimated at Rs 120 crore. The plan covers hundreds of homes, shops, ashrams, monasteries, and old structures. Thousands of residents could be displaced. Locals say the project will destroy the oldest settlement in Omkareshwar. Project area includes Brahmapuri People fear that families from Brahmapuri, located next to the Mamleshwar temple, will be removed. They have already surrounded MLAs and other public representatives. These leaders later met Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, but no discussion took place. Officials say space needed before Simhastha During a meeting with the MP, Collector and MLA, the administration said Mamleshwar temple needs expansion before Simhastha. The number of devotees has increased, and more space is required. Officials said the survey will not stop and those affected will be rehabilitated within the pilgrimage zone. Shops and markets completely shut A Dainik Bhaskar team visited Omkareshwar on Monday. All markets were closed. Locks were seen on every shutter. Shops near the temple and at the ghats were shut.Flower sellers and vendors of worship materials were not present. Visitors struggled for food and water Rajveer Singh, a visitor from Gwalior, said he could not find transport from the bus stand to the temple. Later, he and his family could not get tea or drinking water because every shop was closed.The children with him began crying. Finally, he called a relative in Sanawad, who brought fruits and water bottles to help them. 189 houses and 184 shops marked for demolition The Mamleshwar Lok plan includes areas from Brahmapuri Ghat to Gajanan Ashram, the suspension bridge to Gomukh Ghat, and up to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Juna Akhara. According to the survey, 189 houses, 184 shops, 10 ashrams, 15 guest houses, 9 dharamshalas, and parts of ancient structures fall within the project zone. Locals say Brahmagiri and Brahmapuri appear in government records from 1954 as the oldest settlement in Omkareshwar. Residents say narrow streets are the town’s identity Locals argue that the traditional lanes and heritage structures are the soul of Omkareshwar. They fear these will be destroyed if the project moves ahead. Government promises alternative land In a meeting with MP Gyaneshwar Patil, Collector Rishav Gupta and MLA Narayan Patel, officials said the project will go ahead. People will be displaced, but they will receive alternative land instead of monetary compensation. They will also get priority in the new market to be built under the project. During relocation, families can stay in rented homes, and the government will cover the rent. Residents reject government proposal People argue that there is plenty of unused land behind the Mamleshwar temple. They want the corridor to be built there instead of Brahmapuri. They say their families are under mental stress due to the uncertainty. Project timeline and pressure to clear land Mamleshwar Lok is planned on 4.6 hectares and must be completed by December 2027, before Simhastha. The administration wants to start land-levelling this year and is pushing residents to agree to relocation. Night-time survey sparks anger Residents say survey teams come without notice. When they refuse entry, surveyors move to another lane. People claim that officers come at night and measure from outside locked houses.They question how the administration can survey homes at such hours. Allegations of arbitrary action All 15 local councillors reportedly told residents that the government is acting arbitrarily. Residents say they elected councillors and MLAs, but now their concerns are being ignored. “Why only Brahmapuri?” Locals ask why only their neighbourhood is being targeted when there is sufficient land elsewhere.They feel betrayed after being approached for votes with affection, but now neglected. Families refuse to leave Residents say they will not move under any circumstances.They were not given proper notice, yet their homes are marked for demolition.They accuse officials of conducting surveys secretly at night. Pain and fear among local women A young woman said their ancestors built homes after years of struggle.Now, just as life has become stable, their houses are under threat.She questioned how it is fair to demolish homes for a corridor.