PIONEER NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) sealed a Jama Masjid and madrasa in Kandogal Kudiyal (Thano) village of Doiwala on Monday. The MDDA officials said that the first floor of the premises had already been sealed in December 2025 for allegedly violating provisions of the Uttarakhand Urban and Rural Planning and Development Act, 1973, but granted temporary relief and directed the management to provide the required documents. Heavy police deployment was made in the area to maintain law and order during the operation.
According to MDDA officials, the mosque was being operated on the first and second floors of the building without the required approvals. The news of the sealing quickly spread in the area and triggered a little tension among local residents. However, the situation remained peaceful during the operation.
Members of the Muslim community alleged that the notice, issued by the authority, had mentioned sealing only a 20×40-foot area, but the entire mosque complex was sealed. The locals further claimed that a room built for the imam’s residence had been sealed earlier, citing non-approval of the building map.
The MDDA officials clarified that the mosque management committee had been given several opportunities to submit documents such as an approved building map, Waqf Board NOC and other related records. But these have not been submitted within the given time, they added.
Dilshad, who claims to have donated the land for the mosque, questioned the decision to seal the entire premises. He said there appeared to be a difference between the notice and the action taken, which had created confusion among local residents.
During the operation, MDDA officials sealed all rooms inside the mosque complex along with the main entrance gate. People present at the site looked displeased over the action and vented their dismay.
Police said that no untoward incident had been reported and the situation remained under control.
