To prevent damage to environment and danger to people, the High Court had in 2013 issued an order banning construction of any building within 100 metres of any river in the State. However, as this order was later recalled, the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) claimed to be focusing on preventing any construction within 10 metres of any river as stipulated in the building bylaws.
As per the order the MDDA was nominated as the responsible authority to look into the matter.
When asked about this, the MDDA secretary Bansidhar Tiwari said after the HC decision was recalled with the State not countering it, the Irrigation department was instructed by the State Government to identify the flood prone areas. He added that the MDDA had no role to play in this task.
“We are acting as per bylaws which prohibit construction work within 10 metres of a river,” said Tiwari, adding that the regulation prohibiting any construction within 20 metres was cancelled in
the past.
Tiwari said that MDDA gave approval only for scientific development anywhere in the town. When asked about the illegal constructions near the rivers, he said that the MDDA can’t act against the already constructed buildings, but action would be taken against any such new construction.
Town planner at MDDA, RJ Singh said that MDDA had not received any instructions to act against constructions within 100 metres of a river. Action can only be taken in such cases after a decision is taken on this issue, he added.