Mayor asks CM to restore park allegedly converted into graveyard
Prayagraj Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, asserting that a triangular plot earmarked as a park in the Patel Nagar Housing Scheme at Dariyabad was allegedly merged with an adjacent graveyard nearly 20 years ago. The mayor has sought a full investigation and the restoration of the land to its original public-park status, according to the letter made public by local officials.
Taking cognisance of the communication from the mayor, the Chief Minister's Office has instructed the Prayagraj district administration to take action. District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma has constituted two investigative teams to examine the matter, official sources said.
"The land should be freed from alleged encroachment and restored to its original status as a park,"
The mayor's letter, circulated within administrative circles, claims that the disputed triangular plot in the Patel Nagar layout was designated as a park and playground in the original housing-scheme plan. It alleges that in 2006 the plot was irregularly merged with a neighbouring graveyard and that this change deprived local residents—particularly children—of a community playground.
Administrative response and scope of probe
Following the mayor's appeal, the Chief Minister's Office sought a report from the Prayagraj District Magistrate. In response, the district administration has formed two teams to verify land records, survey the site on the ground and examine how the alleged merger or transfer took place, the officials said. The teams are also expected to consult municipal records and any relevant revenue documents to establish the chronology of events.
- Location: Patel Nagar Housing Scheme, Dariyabad, Prayagraj
- Allegation: Park/ playground allegedly merged with a graveyard in 2006
- Action: CMO wrote to District Magistrate; two teams formed to investigate
The letter names two well-known figures—Atiq Ahmed and Azam Khan—as being associated with the disputed episode. The mayor has urged the Chief Minister to ensure that the land be freed from encroachment and handed back for public use.
Local impact and legal records to be examined
If the administration's inquiry upholds the mayor's assertion, the case will entail reconciling municipal layout plans, revenue records and any subsequent mutation entries that show change of land use. Restoring the plot as a park would also involve resolving any competing claims, potential court orders and the status of burials if the ground has been used as a graveyard.
| Year | Event (as alleged / reported) |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Alleged merger of the triangular park plot with neighbouring graveyard |
| 2026 | Mayor's letter to Chief Minister; CMO directs district administration; two teams formed |
Residents in the vicinity have for years used open spaces for recreation, and any permanent loss of a designated park would reduce green public amenities in a densely populated urban area. Officials said the teams will also take account of public usage and any representations submitted by local residents or resident welfare associations.
Legal experts consulted in other cases involving conversion of public land have noted that the process of investigation typically examines municipal layout approvals, revenue and transfer records, mutation entries and any orders from courts or government authorities that may have sanctioned a change in land use. The district administration's preliminary fact-finding will determine the next steps, which could include restoration, regularisation or litigation, depending on findings.
The formation of inquiry teams under the District Magistrate indicates that the matter has moved from a civic grievance to an administrative priority after the mayor escalated the complaint to the Chief Minister. The probe's findings and any recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Chief Minister's Office and the district administration for further action.
No arrests, demolition or immediate physical action were reported at the time of filing. The district teams are at present collecting records and conducting on-site assessments before recommending remedial or legal measures.
