Agra:
The builders are trying to demolish Shahi Hamam, a historic Mughal era building located in Agra. Social organizations of Agra started a campaign regarding this issue and on 26 December, Allahabad High Court banned the demolition of the building. This has brought relief to the families living here.

The citizens of Agra united to save the Shahi Hamam. They put up posters of ‘Goodbye Shahi Hamam’, offered flowers and lit candles in the premises to protest. About 40 families living in the Hamam complex were also facing crisis. This historic building of 1620, located in Chhipi Tola, has been taken over by a private builder and he is planning to demolish it and build a multi-storey building. This hamam is made of lachouri bricks and red sandstone, and according to historians, it was built by Ali Vardi Khan.

According to the local people, the condition of the hamam was fine till a few years ago, but gradually it became dilapidated. Now the builder has surrounded this area by building a boundary wall. Fruit and vegetable vendors kept their goods and many families also lived in about 30 rooms located in the courtyard of this building. 10-15 houses have been demolished and local residents allege that they were forcefully thrown out overnight.

To save this historical heritage, the civil society organized a heritage walk. In this walk, tribute was paid to the Shahi Hammam, it was said goodbye by placing posters, flowers were offered and protests were carried out by lighting candles. This is a priceless heritage of the 16th century, which should be preserved.

People appealed this matter on social media and filed a PIL in Allahabad High Court. On 26 December, the High Court banned the demolition of this building and the next hearing will be on 27 January 2025. The residents there are happy with this decision.