A demolition drive at Manikarnika Ghat on January 13, 2026, caused protests by locals who feared damage to the city's heritage. Manikarnika Ghat is one of Hinduism's oldest cremation grounds, believed to grant 'moksha' or liberation. The protests were led mainly by the Pal Samaj Samiti. Mahendra Pal, a samiti member, said, "Under the guise of development, the original character of Manikarnika Ghat was being tampered with and the city's heritage was being destroyed." The district administration rejected these claims. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Alok Verma said, "We have come here to assess the situation. We suspect the involvement of some outsiders. The ACP is also present to inquire into the matter. People living at and around the ghat are not protesting and the work is being carried out in their presence." District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar explained, "Development work was underway at the ghat and no harm had been caused to any temple. In the first phase, steps are being constructed. During excavation, some idols and artefacts were found, which have been preserved. These will be reinstalled after the construction work at the ghat is completed."