Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 29 Jun: The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has intensified its drive against illegal construction in Mussoorie. On Monday, the illegal construction at Greenwood Cottage in Srinagar Estate was sealed following orders from the Joint Secretary and the SDM of Mussoorie. During the operation, the entire premises were sealed in the presence of police personnel, and a ban was imposed on any further construction or usage. According to the MDDA, this action was taken against the unauthorised construction carried out by KP Sharma at Greenwood Cottage, in compliance with the order passed in Case No. R-1208/2024.
The sealing operation was led by Assistant Engineer Ajay Malik. Malik stated that construction activities within the MDDA jurisdiction carried out without an approved plan or in violation of prescribed norms would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He emphasised that orders from the court and competent authorities are being strictly enforced, and similar actions will continue against building owners who have disregarded rules to carry out illegal construction. He noted that, while people are frequently given opportunities—through notices—to present their case and regularise construction, the department is compelled to resort to sealing and other legal measures when orders are flouted. He appealed to building owners to obtain due approval for their building plans from the MDDA and to strictly adhere to construction standards before commencing any work. Ajay Malik clarified that unplanned and illegal construction in a sensitive mountain region like Mussoorie is not only a violation of the law but also poses a serious threat to the environment and public safety. Consequently, the authority is acting with a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy in such matters. He added that illegal constructions in the Mussoorie area are being continuously monitored. At locations where rule violations are detected, notices will be issued, followed by actions such as sealing and demolition if deemed necessary. The department has urged the public to refrain from illegal construction and to ensure that building construction strictly adheres to approved plans.
A departmental team—including Junior Engineer Anurag Nautiyal and supervisors Sanjeev and Uday Negi—was present during the proceedings. Police personnel were also deployed at the site to maintain law and order.
