Security Increased In Varanasi As Mosque Demolitions Continue

07 Jul 2026 CW Team

Security has been increased in the Dalmandi market area of Varanasi as demolition of five mosques continues into a second day under a road-widening project. Authorities have prohibited public movement in the affected lane and established multiple barricades at key intersections leading to the demolition site to maintain law and order. Access for media personnel has been restricted within Dalmandi to control movement and prevent disturbances.

The Mirza Karimullah Beg Masjid next to the Chowk police station and four other mosques — Nesaran ki Masjid, Rangile Shah Masjid, Ali Raza Masjid and Sangmarmar Masjid — are being dismantled as part of the infrastructure plan. The local administration has deployed a large security presence comprising personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), paramilitary forces, the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the state police. The structures undergoing demolition were covered with large sheets to conduct operations discreetly and to discourage local unrest.

Officials have warned of potential protests and are using drone cameras to monitor the area continuously to prevent any untoward incidents. The demolition forms part of the Dalmandi road-widening project whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on two August 2025. The project, estimated at Rs 2.15 billion (Rs 2.15 bn), seeks to widen a 650-metre stretch from Chowk to Nai Sadak to 17.4 metres to modernise the route and ease traffic congestion.

The plan involves acquisition and modification of 181 buildings and six religious structures, including mosques, and officials say more than 75 per cent of the work has been completed. More than Rs 600 million (Rs 600 mn) in compensation has been distributed to affected parties to date. Authorities say the upgrades are intended to facilitate smoother access for tourists and devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..

EUROBOND Expands NABL Accreditation to 51 Testing Parameters

EUROBOND, the flagship brand of Euro Panel Products, has expanded the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation of its in-house laboratory from 16 to 51 mechanical and chemical testing parameters, making it the only Indian aluminium composite panel (ACP) manufacturer with accreditation covering such an extensive testing scope.The expanded accreditation enables the company to independently test coils, coatings, cores, aluminium composite panels (ACP) and metal composite panels (MCP) in accordance with international standards, including IS, ASTM, ..