While one faction of shop keepers continues to oppose the Chakrata Road redevelopment project of the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), another faction has expressed its support to this project.
This faction recently met MDDA officials and stated that they are in favour of the redevelopment project. The Authority is now preparing to acquire land on both sides of the road from the Clock Tower to the Bindal bridge for the project. It expects to secure the Government’s approval in the near future.
It is pertinent to mention here that the MDDA plans to construct residential cum commercial multi-storey buildings on both sides of the Chakrata Road as part of its redevelopment project. While the freehold property owners have welcomed this project, those who own Nazul properties are not in favour of this project. The authority officials State that only some of the people are opposed to the redevelopment plan while the majority especially those living or plying business in adjoining lanes, is viewing this project positively.
Those living in old residential buildings along this road are keen to see this project executed as such houses are also slated to be merged in the redevelopment plan. Sources state that the State Government is also eager to get this project executed without delay especially in view of the 2014 general election. However, observers point out that recent executed or proposed developmental works by the MDDA including the new commercial complex near Clock Tower and planned redevelopment of Indira Market have been hit by disagreements among affected people and allegations of anomalies.
It remains to be seen whether the Chakrata Road redevelopment plan is executed smoothly on time without giving the affected people and residents of Doon any cause for complaint.