While the administration has recently been using bulldozer action to remove illegal encroachments on riverbeds, streams, and drains, illegal occupations are still openly taking place right under their nose. It’s not that the administration is unaware—locals have already informed the administrative staff in detail, but it seems the administration puts on blinders during enforcement.
In recent anti-encroachment drives, villagers accused authorities of sparing the influential and targeting the poor. As seen in the visuals, a powerful individual is preparing to construct a resort right in the middle of a seasonal river. A permanent road has already been built through the riverbed for the resort’s access. Reportedly, construction material was excavated from this very seasonal stream and used for building the road.
The visuals clearly show that 10 to 15 feet deep pits have been dug in the riverbed. This has been going on for a long time—materials are being extracted and used on-site, and the construction continues unchecked. Despite being fully aware, no official from the administration has taken any action.
Such blatant and large-scale encroachments on river and stream lands raise serious questions about the working of the local tehsil administration and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority.
