A Historic Market Under Threat
In the heart of Varanasi, just a short distance from the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple, lies Dalmandi – a centuries-old market renowned for its dense lanes, vibrant trade, and cultural significance. Today, this bustling stretch of around 650 metres, lined with nearly 500 shops, finds itself at the centre of a storm. The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to widen the narrow road from its current width of 3–4 metres to 17.4 metres.
The project, estimated at ₹215.88 crore, has been described as the second-most ambitious development initiative in the holy city after the recent revamp of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex. For many traders and residents of Dalmandi, however, it represents looming displacement and the end of a historic community space that has survived for generations.
Traders Fear Losing Their Livelihood
The announcement has triggered palpable anxiety among shopkeepers, most of whom are small traders running garments, jewellery, utensils, and daily-use goods businesses. Dalmandi is one of Varanasi’s busiest commercial hubs, drawing thousands of locals and visitors every day. Yet, despite its importance, traders say they have been left without a clear rehabilitation or compensation plan.
Shop owners worry that demolition of parts of the market will not only erase their livelihoods but also disrupt a fragile ecosystem of suppliers, workers, and dependent families. “Our businesses have been here for decades, some even before Independence. A sudden road expansion without clarity on where we will go is unfair,” said a trader who has run a cloth shop in Dalmandi for over 40 years.
Double Blow: Tax Notices Add to Uncertainty
As if the prospect of demolition was not enough, many owners recently received property tax notices demanding settlement of long-pending dues. These notices, coming right after the announcement of the widening project, have been described by traders as a “double blow.”
According to residents, many shops had never been properly assessed for property tax in the past. Now, they face demands for arrears at a time when their survival itself is at stake. Local shopkeepers allege that the tax drive is a pressure tactic meant to push reluctant occupants into vacating without protest.
“The government wants to widen the road and simultaneously burden us with tax notices. It feels like a calculated move to weaken our position,” said a tenant running a small utensil store.
A Project of Faith and Modernisation
Officials argue that the Dalmandi widening plan is vital for easing congestion in Varanasi’s densely packed old city and for improving access to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines. The government envisions wider lanes, improved traffic flow, and modern amenities as part of its mission to transform Varanasi into a spiritual and cultural hub that also meets the demands of modern infrastructure.
Sources within the administration maintain that once completed, the road will not only enhance pilgrim experience but also create new opportunities for trade by drawing larger crowds to the temple-adjacent areas. “This is not just about demolition. It is about making Varanasi ready for the future,” a senior official explained.
The Muslim Community’s Concerns
Dalmandi is predominantly Muslim, and this demographic reality has added another layer of tension to the issue. Many shopkeepers fear that the project is not just about development but could also alter the socio-cultural balance of the area. Residents voice concern that their heritage and way of life may be sidelined in favour of grand infrastructural narratives.
“We have coexisted here for centuries. Dalmandi is not just a market; it is a part of Varanasi’s diverse identity. Erasing it will erase a part of the city’s soul,” said a community elder.
Awaiting Clarity
So far, the government has not released detailed guidelines on how compensation, rehabilitation, or relocation will be managed for the traders and tenants of Dalmandi. While some believe that a rehabilitation package might eventually be announced, others fear that the project could move swiftly, leaving them with little room to negotiate.
For now, the shopkeepers continue to operate with uncertainty hanging over their heads. Their plea is simple: clarity, fairness, and an assurance that development will not come at the cost of livelihoods and heritage.
As bulldozers prepare to roll into Dalmandi, the clash between tradition and transformation has rarely been more stark in Varanasi.
