Dehradun: The district administration in Dehradun on Tuesday demolished a mazar allegedly built on government land in the Sheeshambara area of Vikasnagar, following an administrative inquiry that confirmed the land was recorded as government property in revenue records. This demolition is the latest action in the administration's ongoing anti-encroachment drive, under which around four mazars have been removed in Dehradun over the past year.
A team from the revenue department arrived at the site in the morning and demolished the structure along with other temporary constructions on the land, effectively clearing the encroachment. Vikasnagar SDM Vinod Kumar stated that the shrine had been operating on government land for the past 10 to 12 years. He explained, "Even though it was government 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."
Officials indicated that surveys of identified encroachment sites are being conducted across different tehsils, and enforcement action is being taken in a phased manner. The administration has identified several locations where government land is allegedly under illegal occupation and has initiated verification of revenue records before taking action. District magistrate Ashish Chauhan emphasized that 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 government land.
Chauhan stated that government 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 noted that similar action had earlier been taken against mazars near Clock Tower, Doon Hospital, and Raipur Block, as part of the ongoing drive.
