DEHRADUN: The real estate boom in Dehradun continues to raise concerns over ecological damage and loss of biodiversity in the state capital. Residents of Rajpur and Mussoorie Road area in Doon for instance are concerned as large residential projects have come up in the area. They allege that while heavy construction takes place on private land, builders are also encroaching on public land, endangering public safety.
Reenu Paul, founder of citizens’ group, Rajpur Community Initiative, said, “The builder of a new project owns private plots on Rajpur Road and Canal Road. In between lies Nagar Nigam and forest land that is also being cleared of its green cover. An entire hillock is being chopped and flattened, and it is not all private land. There is a drain passing through here to Rispana. Almost 10 years ago, it was saved from a similar encroachment when there was an attempt to cover it and build on it. The same thing is happening now.”
She added that several water sources and streams in Rajpur ridge have been buried due to “unchecked” work by private builders. “The ravines are being filled with mud, which gets washed away with the first rainfall. The trees being cut are part of the natural vegetation, which supports the local biodiversity. Almost all plots in the area have been sold, and the development will surpass the area’s carrying capacity,” added Paul.
“Almost 200 trees were chopped down overnight for a new project. This loss of greenery doesn’t seem right when Dehradun is already on its last green legs. The builders have become shameless because of a lack of monitoring by govt bodies. How they are getting permits in the first place is a mystery,” said Maulshree Mittal, a resident.
Unchecked constructions in higher areas often result in debris slides and landslides in low-lying regions like Shipra Vihar Colony. Residents said builders dump construction material “without care”, risking the lives of those who reside downhill.
A source from an ashram in the area also said the green cover which was developed through plantation drives is now being cleared by private builders.
Residents are launching a campaign to save the ridge and raise awareness about its vulnerability. Officials in the Mussoorie forest division said that “since the trees being cut are on private land, the department cannot intervene.”
Meanwhile, Dehradun municipal corporation commissioner Namami Bansal told TOI that based on complaints, a team has been directed to probe the land violations. She said that action would be taken against the builder if encroachment on Nigam land is confirmed.
