DEHRADUN: The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has served eviction notices to 116 families residing in Kathbangla colony, alongside the Rispana river, instructing them to vacate within 15 days or face demolition.
This decision has stirred outrage among the residents, who accuse the authorities of conducting a disorganized and unjust relocation process. A protest is planned by the affected families for Wednesday afternoon.
The notices state that this action is in accordance with the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directives, which mandate the identification and removal of structures on river floodplains.
The civic body has indicated that eligible families will be relocated to economically weaker section (EWS) flats constructed by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) in the vicinity. The notification details a field verification process to confirm eligibility, with families residing in the colony before March 11, 2016, being prioritized for relocation. Illegal constructions are set for removal.
Municipal commissioner Namami Bansal informed TOI that the allotments would be finalized by November 30 to facilitate a smooth transition. However, sources indicate that water connections from Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan may not be operational until December 15.
Residents contend that the process lacks transparency, expressing concerns. “While MDDA threatens demolition, DMC hasn’t completed necessary work nor initiated allotments. The new units are significantly smaller, making them unsuitable for larger families like mine. Some families closer to the riverbank have received notices while others, further away, have not. The identification process seems random,” stated resident Raman Pandit.
Social activists have criticized the relocation plan, noting that the designated EWS flats are merely 100 meters from the slums and also situated on the river floodplain.
Residents worry that poor coordination between agencies may exacerbate their plight. Last year, MDDA and DMC conducted demolitions in the area under NGT orders, while the locality is further affected by land acquisition for the proposed 26-km Rispana-Bindal elevated corridor, which has drawn criticism.
