Tuesday, 28 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
With the authorities starting demolition of some of the encroachments on the Rispana and Bindal riverbeds in Dehradun, the Bharatiya Janata Party has assured that the slums are safe as the State government ordinance on slums is still effective. Stating that the encroachments are being demolished on orders of the National Green Tribunal, the party said that the opposition is playing politics in preparation for the urban local body elections.
The BJP State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said that the BJP State government had brought in ordinances in 2018 and 2021 to prevent lakhs of people from being rendered homeless. These ordinances are still effective so none of the slum dwellers need to worry. He claimed that the BJP government will ensure justice for all. Necessary steps in public interest will be taken after considering all relevant aspects, he said. As far as demolition of encroachments made on the riverbed and banks after 2016 is concerned, it is being undertaken on the orders of the NGT. The 524 constructions marked are also vulnerable to disaster in the coming monsoon and may result in major loss of life and property in case of flooding. Chauhan said that the Congress is playing politics on this sensitive issue for the sole purpose of preparing for the local body elections. Had the Congress been serious on this issue, it would not have allowed construction of such settlements in an unplanned manner for strengthening its vote bank during its term in office. The Congress should have taken concrete steps to save the existence of and provide necessary facilities to the lakhs residing in such slums, he said. Chauhan further alleged that Congress leaders are ignoring the danger being faced by those living in the encroachments. The opposition leaders are simply playing politics, he added.
