Latest StoriesRegulatory

Uttarakhand HC Cancels DM’s Fire NOC for Dehradun Builder

DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand High Court has annulled an order from the former Dehradun District Magistrate, Sonika, that required the fire department to issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the Pinnacle Residency group housing complex, despite known fire safety deficiencies. Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari deemed the order “legally unsustainable”. The issue revolves around unauthorized construction by M/s Disha Hospitality Private Limited, which allegedly strayed from the building plan sanctioned by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA). Residents raised concerns in court, claiming that the construction, including RCC slabs and other unauthorized structures, obstructed access for fire emergency vehicles, thereby violating the…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Dehradun Master Plan 2041: Public Consultation Opens

DEHRADUN: A 12-day public consultation for the Dehradun Master Plan 2041 kicked off on Monday. At the initial sector-wise hearing organized by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), residents presented 18 suggestions and objections. The first consultation, focusing on Sector 1, took place at Shakun Sports Academy in Ajabpur Khurd. Hearings for other sectors will continue until July 21, excluding weekends, from 11 AM to 5 PM, before the draft Master Plan is finalized. An MDDA official mentioned that approximately 50 to 60 individuals attended Monday’s session. “The Master Plan has faced delays, so we aim to complete the consultation…

InfrastructureLatest Stories

Uttarakhand to build first construction waste plant in Dehradun

Representative AI image DEHRADUN: The Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) announced on Monday that the first construction and demolition waste processing plant in Uttarakhand will be established at Mothrowala, with the land secured and environmental clearance obtained. Deputy municipal commissioner Tanvir Marwah confirmed that the pollution control board has approved the chosen site and the tendering process is currently in progress. “The project is expected to take at least four months to complete,” he stated. Currently, the civic body collects about 150 metric tonnes of construction waste monthly. When asked if an official dumping ground for construction debris has been established,…

CommercialLatest Stories

MDDA Rejects Commercial Project Near IMA-Dehradun Over Security Issues

DEHRADUN: The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has denied a building permit for a commercial project near the Indian Military Academy (IMA) due to security concerns highlighted by the army. On April 15, the authority issued a rejection letter to builder Shivam Aggarwal after he failed to secure a required no-objection certificate from the IMA for the mixed-use building located in Panditwari. The MDDA noted that the builder was initially given two months to obtain the clearance, but he did not manage to do so. Internal communication from the Station Headquarters, Dehradun Cantt, dated February 2026, indicated that a “security…

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.…