The Uttarakhand High Court has heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding illegal construction in Rishikesh, Dehradun. The court has halted all illegal constructions and directed the Garhwal Commissioner to appear virtually before the court on 5th April . The commissioner has been asked to explain on what basis the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) is compounding illegal constructions in restricted areas and approving building plans. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 5th April .
It is noteworthy that Rishikesh resident Pankaj Agarwal and others filed a PIL in the High Court, alleging that illegal constructions are being carried out in restricted areas of Rishikesh. The MDDA initially took action by sealing the illegal structures, but later, an Assistant Engineer of the Development Authority removed the restrictions, compounded the illegal constructions, and approved the building plans.
The petitioners demand a ban on illegal constructions in restricted areas to protect the environment.
