The Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has intensified its action against unauthorised construction and land encroachments across the Doon region. Over the past month, the authority cleared illegal plotting spread over more than 150 bighas of land and sealed multiple unauthorised buildings, with enforcement activities focused in areas facing rapid unregulated development.
Officials confirmed that the largest operations were conducted in Bhaniyawala, Haridwar Bypass Road, and Doiwala. In Jhabrawala area of Doiwala, around 18 bighas of land were freed from illegal plotting, while in Dandi village of Ranipokhari, about 10 to 12 bighas were cleared. Bhaniyawala’s Buxarwala recorded 25 bighas of illegal layouts being removed. A significant stretch of 40 bighas near Sai Temple on Haridwar Road in Dehradun was also reclaimed.
Additional actions were carried out in Sheeshambara and Rupnagar Badripur, where 10 and five bighas respectively were demolished. These operations reflect the growing focus of the authority on reclaiming encroached land and curbing mushrooming colonies without proper approvals.
The enforcement drive was not limited to plotting alone. In Rishikesh, MDDA sealed over a dozen unauthorised multi-storey buildings in locations including Nirmal Bagh, Virbhadra Road, and Koyal Grant. Officials stated that these buildings had been constructed without requisite approvals, in violation of master plan norms. Sealing operations were also undertaken in Majri Grant, Nehru Colony, Sahastradhara Road, Haridwar Road, and Hinduwala along Shimla Bypass.
Vice chairman of MDDA, Bansidhar Tiwari, said the campaign was launched after a marked rise in unauthorised plotting and encroachments across the region. He reiterated that illegal developments will not be tolerated and that strict monitoring would continue in the coming months.
The authority stressed that these measures form part of a larger strategy to ensure orderly and planned urban development in Dehradun and its surrounding areas. Rapid urbanisation and demand for housing have led to the growth of unauthorised colonies, often without basic infrastructure and services. Officials explained that unchecked plotting not only distorts planned growth but also creates long-term challenges for civic management, including water supply, sanitation, and traffic regulation.
The MDDA has advised prospective property buyers to verify ownership details and ensure that land and housing projects have proper approvals before making transactions. Officials warned that many unauthorised colonies are promoted by land mafias and that buyers risk financial loss when plots are later demolished or sealed.
Authorities added that several other sites have been identified for future operations. The development authority plans to continue demolitions and sealing exercises until full compliance with approved land use norms is achieved. Officials emphasized that strict enforcement is necessary to prevent unregulated sprawl and protect the structural and environmental sustainability of the Doon valley.
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