Latest StoriesRegulatory

FIR Filed Against Seller, Buyer for Illegal Land Sale in Dehradun

DEHRADUN: The Dehradun district administration has filed an FIR against a seller and a buyer for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale and purchase of court-prohibited land in the district. According to officials, the case involves seller Sikandar Singh, a Rajpur resident, and buyer Kharati Lal Kukkad from Zirakpur, Punjab. They are accused of selling a 0.76-hectare plot in Aamwala Tarla in October 2025 using forged documentation. Officials noted that a complaint presented to the administration indicated that the land was under a ban imposed by the RM Lodha Committee of the high court but was still registered by hiding…

IndustryLatest Stories

Uttarakhand Forms 14-Member Panel to Revise Building Bylaws

DEHRADUN: In response to Uttarakhand’s heightened seismic vulnerability, the state government has launched a thorough revision of its building bylaws to incorporate updated earthquake safety standards. According to an official release, this initiative aligns with the Indian Standard ISO 1893-2025, which categorizes the entire state within a high seismic zone. The government announced plans to amend current construction regulations to enhance their scientific basis, resilience against disasters, and adherence to modern engineering practices. Presently, the building bylaws in Uttarakhand are founded on the outdated Bureau of Indian Standards framework ISO 1893-2002. Guided by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Secretary…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

AAI Alerts on Unapproved Construction Near Dehradun Airport

DEHRADUN: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has raised concerns about illegal construction activities near Jolly Grant Airport, highlighting potential air safety hazards. The AAI emphasized that obtaining prior approval is crucial before initiating any building projects in the airport’s vicinity, noting that violations could lead to regulatory penalties. Airport officials stated that a recent aerodrome safeguarding inspection uncovered numerous residential and commercial buildings erected without the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC). The authority warned that any construction within designated height-restricted and safeguarded areas without proper authorization could jeopardize flight operations and passenger safety. BCH Negi, the airport director, mentioned…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

MDDA Recovers 10,000 Bighas of Encroached Land in Dehradun

Representative AI image DEHRADUN: The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has reported that it removed encroachments from over 10,000 bighas in Dehradun and sealed more than 1,000 illegal constructions in the last three years. Officials characterized this initiative as the most comprehensive and decisive campaign against unauthorized construction and plotting within its jurisdiction. “This action is not only historic in scale but has also instilled fear among those participating in illegal activities and rule violations,” stated MDDA vice-chairperson Bansidhar Tiwari. Officials noted that illegal constructions are regularly identified, leading to strict legal enforcement through sealing and demolitions. Tiwari emphasized that…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Illegal construction in Rajpur ravines despite HC ban

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…

Latest StoriesResidential

Dehradun: Rispana Bank Residents Seek EWS Flats Amid Demolition

DEHRADUN: Residents of Kathbangla colony near the Rispana riverbank are living in fear of their homes being demolished as they await the EWS flats promised by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation. On November 21, the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) served eviction notices to 116 families, instructing them to vacate their homes within 15 days or face demolition. This action is in response to a National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruling prohibiting encroachments on river floodplains. More than a month has passed since the notices were issued, and relocation has yet to occur, leaving residents anxious about the threat of sudden demolition.…

Latest StoriesResidential

Dehradun: Kathbangla Residents Fight MDDA Eviction, Cite Safety

DEHRADUN: Residents of Kathbangla colony protested outside the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) office on Wednesday after the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) issued eviction notices to 116 families. They claim that the rehabilitation flats offered to them are unsafe, as they are located near the riverbed. Karishma, a domestic worker, expressed concerns stating, “The flats are closer to the river than my current home, which is far from it and has had an electricity connection since 2012.” Another protester, Maya Devi, criticized the condition and size of the rehabilitation building, saying, “It was in ruins for ten years, and after…

Latest StoriesResidential

Mussoorie Development Body Issues Eviction Notices to 116 Families

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…

Latest StoriesResidential

Uttarakhand Land Prices Surge: Circle Rates Up 22%

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has raised circle rates for properties statewide by 9% to 22%, averaging around a 15% increase in most areas. Rajpur Road in Dehradun, which saw a 9% rise, remains the city’s priciest location, with rates between Rs 60,000 and Rs 68,000 per square meter. The last revision occurred in 2023, with increases ranging from 10% to 20% throughout the state. Officials noted that this adjustment comes just two years after the last one, driven by escalating construction activities and a growing demand for land. Bansidhar Tiwari, vice-chairman of the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), informed TOI,…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Uttarakhand HC Supports RERA Order on Paratus Real Estates

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand High Court has affirmed a RERA order mandating Paratus Real Estates Pvt Ltd to pay 50% of the penalty amount prior to its appeal, dismissing the developer’s argument that only 30% was required under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. Justice Pankaj Purohit of a single bench rejected two similar petitions from the company and chose not to interfere with the RERA directive, emphasizing that the “Act is designed to protect consumers’ interests in the real estate sector and should be interpreted rigorously.” On March 28, RERA Dehradun instructed the promoter to refund Rs 22,69,159…