Dehradun: Residents in lane L of Chander Lok Colony in Salawala ward were greeted by a blocked road on Friday morning, as construction materials were dumped overnight, completely obstructing the thoroughfare. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting residents to question civic sense.
Residents share their ordeal
Jagmohan Chopra, a local resident, explained the situation: 'It was a surprise for the 10-12 families along this lane. The entire approach was blocked by construction material. When we contacted the resident, they told us that the contractor was at fault and dumped the material at night. It is now being cleared. Not many faced difficulties as we then opened all gates in the locality.'
Councillor Bhupinder Kathait informed TOI that the matter was taken up with authorities. 'The maps for construction were approved by MDDA. They visited the site and residents are resolving the issue amicably. The material is being cleared from the approach road,' he said.
Broader concerns over urban planning
A resident took to social media, questioning the poor neighbourly conduct. However, the issue highlighted a much larger concern for many. Chopra raised a critical point: 'MDDA has now approved double basements, a stilt parking and up to four-storey houses to be built in residential areas. That is seven storeys in total. The amount of construction that has already been underway and more that will follow is unimaginable. Why are such maps being approved for old localities that are already losing their peace?'
Others echoed the concerns that surfaced when the new draft of the masterplan was released in March 2023. Dinesh Jiyal, a resident of Hathibarkala, stated: 'Allowing mixed land use (commercial with residential) was a huge problem. What we are seeing now is a precursor to what is to follow. The level of construction that is happening across the city is unprecedented. MDDA should make its map approval process more exhaustive and a neighbourhood's essence should also be factored in.'
MDDA responds
Meanwhile, officials of MDDA said that a site visit was carried out on Friday morning following complaints from area residents, after which the material is being cleared. However, no concrete action has been taken against the resident so far. Sunil Kumar, an engineer with MDDA, defended the approval process: 'Maps are being approved after a thorough probe. Only along a 30-foot road can a four-storey house be built. The approval process is exhaustive.'
Officials also stated that extensive action is regularly taken against any structures found to be built without proper documents and approvals.
