Dehradun Residents Panic as MDDA Issues 3-Day Eviction Notice for Rispana River Encroachments
A new notice from the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has triggered widespread panic among 116 families residing in Kathbangla colony along the Rispana river. The directive, posted in the area on Sunday, orders these families to shift to newly constructed Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) housing flats within a mere three days, with a demolition drive against illegal constructions scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Official Notice and Justification
The notice explicitly states that this action follows the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) directions to clear illegal encroachments along the river floodplain. It was issued after joint consultations involving MDDA, the municipal corporation, the revenue department, and the police administration. The document includes a list of eligible families allotted units under the economically weaker section (EWS) housing scheme.
"You are informed that in accordance with the NGT's directions to clear illegal encroachments along the river floodplain and after joint consultations among MDDA, the municipal corporation, the revenue department and the police administration, flats constructed by the municipal corporation were allotted to 116 families. All arrangements such as electricity, water and sewer connections have been completed," the notice declared.
Municipal commissioner Namami Bansal confirmed that the flats are now ready for occupation, attributing earlier delays to issues with the Jal Sansthan, which have since been resolved.
Residents Express Shock and Concerns
Residents have expressed profound shock over the extremely short notice period. Raman Pandit, a local resident, voiced the community's distress: "How can we pack up our entire household within three working days? For months, authorities have been verifying documents, pasting notices and marking our houses. In November, when we asked about the EWS flats, they were not even ready, yet we were threatened with demolition."
This directive follows a similar order issued in November last year, when families were given 15 days to vacate and relocate to the DMC-built EWS flats. Some families have also raised significant concerns regarding the location of the new flats near the floodplain and questioned their structural safety. They claim the buildings suffered damage during last year's flooding of the Rispana river.
Criticism from Activists and Official Response
Labour activists have criticized the process as "arbitrary." One activist, requesting anonymity, argued: "These notices are being issued in the name of court orders. The EWS flats are also on the river floodplain. Can authorities guarantee they won't face demolition in the future? There is panic and confusion. Families have not even been told how to collect their keys."
In response, MDDA vice-chairman Bansidhar Tiwari stated: "This was the third notice issued to residents. We have been asking them for months to shift. The nearby houses have been ready for some time, and those eligible should move in."
The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches, with residents scrambling to comply while grappling with logistical challenges and safety apprehensions.
