Road-Widening Project in Varanasi’s Dal Mandi Market Raises Displacement Concerns

A road-widening project near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi plans to demolish 187 buildings along the 650-metre Dal Mandi market stretch to improve pilgrim access. This 224-crore initiative threatens over 1,000 shops and the livelihoods of thousands of traders, including renters who face uncertain futures. While the government offers compensation at twice the circle rate, shopkeepers argue it undervalues properties and raises concerns about displacement and unemployment in this historic market.