DEHRADUN: Residents of Rajpur have raised concerns regarding uncontrolled construction in the area’s natural ravines, claiming it violates a high court order from last year that prohibits encroachment on ravines and nalas. They’ve highlighted the region’s seismic vulnerability, pointing to the rise of numerous high-rise buildings, some even under construction, seemingly without sufficient oversight. This situation is exacerbated by increasing pollution, traffic jams, and significant tree loss in Dehradun.
“Given that the capital’s ecology is already on unstable ground, why are authorities allowing such construction? Why are licenses being granted for development in ecologically sensitive areas when sub-divisional magistrate reports have noted adverse findings?” asked Reenu Paul, a local resident and eco-activist.
Another local resident mentioned that a high-rise project in a nearby ravine at Pleasant Valley resumed construction despite a pending court case and is nearing completion.
“A case has been registered against the project. How can authorities ignore this? In the name of residential projects, extensive land is being stripped of its green cover, nalas are getting blocked, and the area’s natural ecology is being altered, leading to unpredictable landslides and mudslides that cause significant damage during the monsoon,” the resident expressed.
Bansidhar Tiwari, vice-chairman of the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority, was unavailable for comment. However, a civic authority official stated that licenses are only granted to projects adhering to prescribed standards. “Encroachments lacking approval or involving prohibited lands are being regularly removed,” the official added.
