Coming out strongly against encroachments in the State Capital, Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli has said that it is up to the State Government to prevent political interference and become serious to ensure joint effort by various departments and authorities against rising encroachments in Dehradun. Stating that most cases of major encroachments date back to before 2008, the Mayor said that in 2005 the Congress led MCD Board had approved a vigilance inquiry on encroachment cases but this inquiry was not started till 2012 under the BJP.
“At a time when the Chief Minister has repeatedly said that the State will not allow the demolition of a single shack as encroachment, it becomes vital to speed up regularisation of slums and ascertain the width of rivers to prevent further encroachment,” he said. He continued to say that apart from the MCD, various departments including MDDA and PWD are also responsible for tackling encroachment and should work together for this.
“We alone cannot tackle encroachment as seen in lansdowne Chowk from where the MCD got 23 shops shifted to near Rispana Bridge to facilitate expansion and beautification of the intersection. However, the freed space at lansdowne Chowk and nearby footpaths has been encroached upon due to police failure to prevent this,” he added.
“The police are present 24 hours at the Clock Tower but encroachment is highest in this area. The State Government needs to be serious and facilitate joint effort against encroachment,” he stressed.