Doon admin demolishes mazar on govt land

Dehradun: The district administration in Dehradun on Tuesday demolished a mazar allegedly built on govt land in Sheeshambara area of Vikasnagar after an administrative inquiry found that the land was recorded as govt property in revenue records. The demolition is the latest in the administration's anti-encroachment drive, under which around four mazars have been removed in Dehradun over the past year.

A team from the revenue department reached the site in the morning and demolished the structure along with other temporary constructions on the land, clearing the encroachment.

Vikasnagar SDM Vinod Kumar said the shrine had been operating on govt land for the past 10-12 years. “Even though it was govt land, it was being illegally occupied and used for a shrine. It started as a small structure and gradually expanded. Renovation work had also been carried out recently. Directions had earlier been issued for its removal. The action was taken only after statutory notices were served and all legal formalities were completed. The encroachment was removed peacefully in the presence of officials from the revenue department, police and other concerned departments,” he said.

Officials said surveys of identified encroachment sites were being conducted across different tehsils and enforcement action was being taken in a phased manner. The administration has identified several locations where govt land is allegedly under illegal occupation and has initiated verification of revenue records before taking action.

District magistrate Ashish Chauhan said the anti-encroachment drive would continue, with public interest and maintenance of law and order remaining key priorities. He directed officials to conduct regular inspections and maintain vigilance to prevent fresh encroachments on govt land.

Chauhan said govt land is public property and cannot be allowed to be occupied illegally. He instructed officials to ensure that land meant for public use is protected and that encroachments are removed in accordance with legal procedures.
The administration has also appealed to residents to share information about encroachments so that timely action can be taken. Officials said similar action had earlier been taken against mazars near Clock Tower, Doon Hospital and Raipur Block, as part of the ongoing drive.