MCD to build memorial gate in memory of martyr Dhoundiyal on Doon’s Neshvilla Road

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) on Monday approved the construction of a memorial gate in honour of martyr Vibhuti Narayan Dhoundiyal on Neshvilla Road under the Rajpur Road Assembly constituency, with mayor Saurabh Thapliyal granting immediate approval to the proposal following requests from local councillors.

Dobhalwala councillor Mohan Bahuguna and Bakralwala councillor Ashok Dobariyal submitted a formal letter to the mayor seeking the construction of the Shaheed Vibhuti Narayan Dhoundiyal Memorial Gate as a tribute to the army officer’s sacrifice. The officials said that the mayor approved the proposal promptly, citing strong public sentiment and the importance of commemorating local martyrs.

Officials from the MCD’s construction wing have been directed to conduct an early site inspection and prepare a detailed project estimate. Authorities stated that the work will be undertaken on a priority basis to ensure timely execution once the technical formalities are completed.

A Dehradun resident and officer of the Indian Army’s 55 Rashtriya Rifles major Dhoundiyal died in February 2019 during a counterterrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pulwama terror attack. His death drew widespread public response across Uttarakhand and several initiatives in the state have since been undertaken to honour his service and sacrifice.

The Municipal officials said that the proposed memorial gate is intended not only as a symbolic tribute but also as a civic landmark reflecting local respect for armed forces personnel from the region. Thapliyal noted that such memorial structures help preserve public memory and strengthen community recognition of military contributions from Uttarakhand, a state with a long tradition of service in the armed forces.

He said that further steps in the project, including cost estimation and execution timelines, will be finalised after the site inspection report is submitted.

Mayor inaugurates community centre

DEHRADUN: Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal inaugurated a newly built community centre in the Yamuna Colony ward constructed by the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) construction department in the presence of Councillor Sanjay Singhal and residents. Thapliyal said that the facility will support social, cultural and family functions while strengthening neighbourhood engagement. He added that the corporation remains committed to improving basic civic infrastructure across wards.