Dehradun Slum Demolition: 116 Families Face Eviction Amid Rehabilitation Delays
In a contentious development in Dehradun, as many as 116 families residing in the Kathbangla area have been issued a three-day eviction notice by the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA). The notice mandates their relocation to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats developed by the municipal corporation nearby. However, until Thursday, which marked the demolition deadline, these families anxiously awaited the handover of keys to their new accommodations, highlighting significant delays and administrative hurdles.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Arbitrary Process
A resident, who requested anonymity, expressed deep frustration over the situation. "Our people who visited the corporation were assured that keys would be distributed at the EWS site. We waited for two days, but nothing happened," they said. "The notice stated our houses would be demolished on February 19. If we miss any deadline or fail to comply, we face threats of demolition and eviction. Authorities have been toying with us for over a year. We were supposed to shift in November, but the flats were not ready. Now, we are being punished with just three days to pack up our lives, living under constant pressure while waiting for the keys."
Activists Criticize Displacement and Safety Concerns
Labour activists in Dehradun have described the rehabilitation process as "arbitrary" and criticized the displacement carried out in its name. A delegation met with Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) officials on Thursday to raise their concerns. In a letter submitted to authorities, they highlighted several issues: "On February 15, a notice was pasted in the settlement without details, names, designations, or official information, directing residents to vacate within three days. The administration has not explained how people can be relocated to a site located in the middle of a river, with no publicly available safety information and with flats smaller than the 30 sqm units mandated under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana."
The letter further pointed out a lack of clarity on fees, allotment terms, duration of stay, and whether High Court rulings cited by the administration apply to this flat complex, which is itself situated in the riverbed.
Demands for Legal Compliance and Due Procedure
The delegation demanded that the government withdraw what they termed an "illegal and arbitrary" process and follow due procedure, as per the Slum Act of 2016, which provides a comprehensive framework for regularization and rehabilitation. Residents also claimed that earlier notices certified their homes were built before 2016 and, according to High Court guidelines, should maintain status quo, making the eviction unnecessary. They added that objections previously filed by them remain unresolved.
"A rehabilitation plan should have been prepared in consultation with the affected families, as mandated under the Uttarakhand State Improvement, Regularisation, Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Slums Located in Municipal Bodies and Prohibition of Encroachment Act, 2016," the letter stated. "To our knowledge, no action has been taken under these provisions so far, and the situation in the state's slums remains unchanged since 2016. The apartment complex has remained half-constructed for over 15 years and is located in the middle of a river. Until its safety is established, relocating families there would put lives at risk. Moreover, the flats are not suitable for families."
Scrutiny of Riverbed Flats and Unresolved Issues
Residents argued that if houses located farther from the river are being demolished, then the flat complex in the riverbed should also face similar scrutiny, rendering the relocation plan untenable. They noted that on January 14, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes issued a notice to the Dehradun district magistrate regarding the matter, but no response has been received so far.
Official Responses and Handover Process
Sources within the settlement told TOI that, until Thursday evening, the handover process had not commenced. However, DMC officials maintained that representatives from departments such as water supply and electricity were present to complete formalities. Deputy Commissioner Santosh Pandey stated, "The handover will be carried out on a war footing. Families will be given water and electricity connections on the spot, and the camp will remain until all 116 families receive possession."
Meanwhile, MDDA officials indicated that demolition would only occur after the DMC completed the handover process, even as departments appeared to shift responsibility during the proceedings.
About the Author: Tanmayee Tyagi is a senior correspondent with TOI, reporting on civic issues, education, and health with an avid interest in environmental concerns.
