A number of encroachments were demolished as part of the high court-ordered anti-encroachment drive in Dehradun on Friday. On Saharanpur Road, five buildings including one hotel were sealed amidst protest by the businessmen.

As part of the anti-encraochment drive, a total of 88 encroachments were demolished, 513 encroachments were marked and six buildings were sealed.

Headed by sub divisional magistrate Pratyush Singh on Saharanpur Road, the task force demolished encroachments on both sides of the road. On finding the basement of Hotel Narula being used for purposes other than vehicular parking, the SDM ordered sealing of the enterprise. Though the management initially opposed the move, the task force maintained its stand following which the guests of the hotel were asked to exit and the premises was sealed. A furniture shop neighbouring the hotel was found to be operating from the building, the map for which had been passed for residential purpose. The complex was found to be without basement parking, considering which and other factors, it was sealed amidst protest. Three other commercial enterprises in Patelnagar were also sealed as they were found to be operating from buildings approved for construction for residential purpose.

On Haridwar Road, the task force headed by Mussoorie SDM Meenakshi Patwal removed encroachments from along the road. Encroachments were marked up to Dharmpur Chowk amidst allegations from some that the authorities were providing time to influential persons. Some shopkeepers in Dharmpur also accused the authorities of wrongly marking part of their premises as encroachments. The marks were erased by the task force after which the protesters were pacified.

While chairing a meeting to review the drive, additional chief secretary Om Prakash said that after removal of the encroachments, work will also be undertaken for widening and beautification of the roads. Since the vehicular traffic on the roads is comparatively less on the weekend, the drive will continue on Saturday and Sunday.

The Dehradun District Magistrate SA Murugesan informed that the demolition is being carried out as per the rules.

He also appealed that the building owners should voluntarily remove encroachments, failing which if the authorities demolish the same, the expense will be charged to the building owner.