Omkareshwar shuts down as locals protest Mamleshwar Lok:Devotees face troubles, pay double for night stay; BJP MLA says, ‘Public demands are justified’

A voluntary three-day shutdown in Omkareshwar, protesting the government’s proposed Mamleshwar Lok project, entered its second day on Tuesday. Pilgrims visiting the town are facing severe difficulties, from unavailable food and lodging to paying double for accommodations seven kilometers away. Pilgrims forced to travel far and pay Double Visitors arriving in Omkareshwar on Monday evening experienced the effects of the shutdown. Many pilgrims intending to take a morning dip in the Narmada River and visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga were forced to leave the town, staying overnight in Kothi village hotels. Normally, rooms are only 30 percent booked, but due to the protest, all hotels were full, with charges soaring from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per room. Local hotelier Vijay Jain said, “This is the first time all hotel rooms from Ganesh Nagar to Kothi have been fully booked. Pilgrims have had to pay double the usual rates.” Three pictures of Omkareshwar… Disruption leaves families hungry Jay Ahirwar, a pilgrim from Indore, shared his ordeal: “We reached Omkareshwar in the afternoon, but there was no transport from the bus stand. We walked to Brahmpuri Ghat. With no shops open, we couldn’t feed the children and drank water from the Narmada River to quench our thirst.” Locals fear loss of religious significance Residents fear the project could destroy Omkareshwar’s religious and cultural identity. Devisha Verma said, “The government wants to turn Omkareshwar into a tourist site, but building Mamleshwar Lok here will destroy the town’s sanctity. Our ancestors lived simply, and now our families have built permanent homes. Why should they be demolished for a corridor?” Religious leaders vow to protect Ashrams Mahant Mangaldas of Jod Ganpati Temple stated that local ashrams would not be demolished under any circumstances. He added that discussions with the Chief Minister suggested relocating Mamleshwar Lok, similar to the approach used in Ujjain for the old and new Mahakaleshwar temples. BJP MLA Narayan Patel supports public demand BJP MLA Narayan Patel said, “The people’s demand is justified. I met the Chief Minister on November 10 and conveyed that the residents of Brahmpuri have lived here for over 100 years. Most are small-scale vendors. The government will consider their concerns before making a decision.” Patel noted that the government has not yet clarified the official guidelines for displacement, but locals are being reassured that their concerns will be considered. Congress criticizes government’s stance Congress District President Uttampal Singh Purni said, “Even before the construction of Mamleshwar Lok, injustice is being done to locals. Government representatives are siding with the project instead of the people. Omkareshwar is completely shut down due to the public’s protest. We stand firmly with the town’s residents.” ​