10K bighas cleared of illegal plotting, more than 1,000 unauthorised constructions sealed by MDDA

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun 

The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has demolished illegal plotting spread over about 10,000 bighas of land so far. More than 1,000 illegal buildings have also been sealed by the authority in its campaign against illegal constructions in the areas under its jurisdiction. This action has been taken in Dehradun, Vikasnagar, Doiwala and nearby regions.

MDDA officials said that this action is being carried out daily and is not limited to any one area. Illegal constructions are being identified through field inspections, technical reports and public complaints. After identification, sealing and demolition are being done as per the rules. The drive is being carried out on the directions of the MDDA vice chairman Banshidhar Tiwari, who has ordered strict action with a zero-tolerance policy.

Tiwari said that illegal construction and unauthorised plotting will not be tolerated by the MDDA in the area under its purview under any circumstances. He informed that demolition has been carried out on more than 10,000 bigha land area so far while more than 1,000 unauthorised constructions have also been sealed. The authority will further tighten up its action against those breaking the rules, he said. Those indulging in unauthorised constructions should know clearly that there is only one outcome they can look forward to, Tiwari added. He appealed to the general public to seek official permission from the MDDA before purchasing land or constructing a building, failing which they will be fully responsible for the resulting loss.

Officials said that illegal plotting and unauthorised constructions hamper planned development, negatively affect the environment and public safety. Unauthorised colonies later create problems like waterlogging, traffic jams and shortage of drinking water.

MDDA secretary Mohan Singh Barniya said that teams of the authority are active in the field and are keeping a close watch on illegal activities. He said illegal constructions are being sealed and demolished as per the rules.