Politics appears to be continuing on the issue of slum settlements and their regularsation. A rally was taken out under the banner of Malin Basti Vikas Parishad in support of demands including development of slum settlements in Dehradun. The protesters reached the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun and submitted a memorandum to the MCD administration. The protesters congregated at Parade Ground and rallied to the MCD. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Congress State leader and Malin Basti Vikas Parishad head Suryakant Dhasmana said that the State Government has clarified that the slum dwellers will not be evicted.
“As long as the State Government is working towards regularisation of slums, the MCD or any other department should not demolish shacks,” he said. Dhasmana further said that the protest was not against the State Government but was targeted at the MCD which was responsible for resolving civic problems. However, the corporation has failed to address civic issues effectively, he averred, while adding that the rally was the start of struggle to ensure regularisation of slums. Dhasmana said that there are various problems in the MCD which need to be resolved but the corporation is avoiding its responsibility. The State Government needs to ensure that no demolitions take place till the process of regularisation of slums is underway, he added.