Uttar Pradesh: Traders protest Ayodhya master plan

Traders in Ayodhya are up in arms against the holy city's master plan.

The master plan layout is on display at the office of the Ayodhya Development Authority (ADA) and traders here have registered their opposition with the ADA.

They allege that the proposed layout will result in large-scale demolition of shops and other commercial establishments.

In the master plan, several stretches of the city have been earmarked for the road widening project.

Ramesh Jaiswal, president of Vyapar Adhikar Manch, said a large number of shops and other commercial establishments would be demolished if the master plan was implemented in its present form.

He further said the traders had registered their protest with vice chairman, ADA, Vishal Singh.

The development authority has asked traders to submit their objections in writing so that they could be discussed and addressed.

In the proposed development plan, two stretches of the road in Ayodhya Dham (old Ayodhya town), including the one leading to the Hanuman Garhi temple, are to be widened.

Another major expansion of the road is proposed from Naya Ghat to Udaya crossing. This stretch is around 4.6 km. The entire road is proposed to be 24 feet and 12 feet on both sides of the divider.

A large number of commercial establishments fall on this stretch of the road. Traders are demanding to curtail the proposed expansion to 20 feet from 24 feet.

A massive beautification and renovation plan has been drafted for Ayodhya which will make it 'the most beautiful city in the world', according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The renovation plan is being worked upon to give a new look to the holy city where the grand Ram temple is under construction.

The state government expects a heavy footfall of devotees and tourists from across the globe when the Ram temple is completed.

The chief minister had renamed Faizabad district as Ayodhya during Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya on November 6, 2018.