By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 27 Jun: Continuing its enforcement drive against unauthorised construction activities across the Dehradun region, the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) on Saturday carried out a major action by sealing three illegal residential and commercial structures at different locations within its jurisdiction. The action forms part of MDDA‘s ongoing campaign to ensure planned urban development and strict compliance with approved building regulations.
MDDA Vice-Chairman Banshidhar Tiwari said the Authority has intensified its action against unauthorised constructions and has directed officials to take stringent measures wherever building activities are found to be in violation of the prescribed norms or undertaken without obtaining the mandatory approval from the Development Authority.
The first action was carried out near IT Park on Doon Road, where an under-construction commercial building belonging to controversial builder Puneet Agrawal was found to be progressing without the requisite approval from the Development Authority. During the inspection, the enforcement team found that the construction was being undertaken in violation of statutory provisions. Following due procedure, the premises were sealed to prevent any further construction activity.
The second enforcement action was undertaken in the Jamniwala Singli Road area, where a commercial structure being constructed by Arun Kumar Gupta was also found to be unauthorised. After inspecting the site, the MDDA team concluded that the construction had been carried out in contravention of the applicable building regulations. The building was subsequently sealed with immediate effect. Officials also cautioned the builder against carrying out any construction activity without obtaining prior permission from the Development Authority.
In another significant action, the MDDA sealed the illegally constructed basement and ground floor of a building owned by Rakesh Suri in Kailash Palm City Society at Panditwadi. According to the Authority, the construction did not conform to the approved building standards and was found to be in violation of the sanctioned norms. Consequently, sealing proceedings were initiated in accordance with the provisions of the relevant development regulations.
The MDDA officials reiterated that no residential or commercial construction can be undertaken within its jurisdiction without obtaining prior approval of the sanctioned building plan. Officials warned that any deviation from approved plans or unauthorised construction would invite strict legal action, including sealing and demolition proceedings wherever required under the law.
The enforcement drive at Doon Road and Jamniwala was carried out in the presence of Assistant Engineer Shailendra Singh Rawat, Junior Engineer Vidita and members of the supervisory team. The operation at Kailash Palm City Society was supervised by Assistant Engineer Shashank Saxena, Junior Engineer Abhijeet, supervisory staff and police personnel, who remained deployed throughout the action to maintain law and order.
The MDDA has stated that its campaign against illegal constructions will continue across the Authority area and that regular inspections are being conducted to identify unauthorised developments. The Authority has appealed to property owners and developers to obtain all necessary statutory approvals before commencing construction, warning that violations of building regulations will be dealt with firmly in the interest of planned urban growth and public safety.
However, it remains to be seen, if these illegal constructions remain sealed and demolished or they are secretly re-opened for the construction to resume after some time as has reportedly happened in several past cases. It may also be reminded here that Puneet Agarwal carries a controversial image having been involved in a multiple of disputes with neighbours and brandishing guns and intimidating them and also allegedly blocking the access to properties of neighbours.
