Resuming the anti-encroachment drive from Premnagar, the task force on Thursday undertook reverification of demarcation on 71 encroachments marked earlier. After that, workers from Public Works Department (PWD) started demolishing the marked encroachments. The focus on the first day of anti-encroachment drive was to remove the construction that was erected in areas that were cleared of encroachment last year. One shop that was rebuilt after being demolished earlier was once again demolished with the help of JCB.

After that with the help of two JCBs, ramps built outside a dozen shops were also demolished.

Vice chairman of Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) Ashish Shrivastava said, “We undertook reverification of demarcation of 71 encroachments, out of which 10 places were found to be re-encroached. One shop among these re-encroached areas was demolished, while the owners of nine other encroachments sought time. They have been allotted the time till 10 AM on Friday morning to demolish the encroachment themselves failing which we will do it.”

When asked about the next steps he said, “The team will continue on Friday in Premnagar towards Kishannagar and one team will be working from Rispana bridge to Araghar.” 

In the morning additional district magistrate (administration) Ramji Sharan, sub-divisional magistrate Kamlesh Mehta, superintendent of police (city) Shweta Choubey along with officials from PWD, MDDA, revenue department and Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) reached Premnagar police station, where the senior officers instructed the police force and the task force.

After that officials first went to inspect the areas which were marked to be demolished. The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Mahanagar president Lalchand Sharma reached the spot and asked authorities to give time to the people so that they can remove the encroachments themselves.

Initially there were management issues and the task force appeared unsure of the working procedure. However senior officials have stated that the force is new as the officers involved in the earlier anti-encroachment drive have been transferred. So, initially there might be some issues but in a day or two the management will be better coordinated. The officials also stated that the debris of the demolished building and ramps were immediately removed.