By Team Clarion

DEHRADUN — The administration in Dehradun carried out a bulldozer operation against what it described as an “illegal mazaar” in the city’s upscale Yamuna Colony, a prominent residential area that houses government officials and other influential residents. Bulldozers roared into action after authorities said an investigation confirmed that the structure had been built on government land.

The demolition was carried out under the direction of the Uttarakhand government as part of an ongoing drive against alleged encroachments on public land. A large police force was deployed in the area during the operation, and officials remained on alert to prevent any law and order problems.

According to administration officials, residents of Yamuna Colony had submitted complaints alleging that government land had been occupied and that a shrine had been constructed without legal permission. Following these complaints, district authorities initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Officials said the investigation found that the land belonged to the government and that the structure had been raised without authorisation. Based on the findings, the administration decided to remove the construction.

Authorities stated that a notice had been served to the concerned parties nearly a month before the demolition. The notice reportedly gave them time to remove the structure voluntarily and present any documents supporting their claim over the land.

However, officials said no action was taken within the stipulated period.

After the deadline expired, the administration prepared for demolition and coordinated with various departments to carry out the operation.

Dehradun City Magistrate Pratyush Singh said the district administration had been conducting a continuous campaign against encroachments on government land.

“Under the directions of District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan, action is being taken against encroachments on government property. As part of this campaign, a joint team of the Municipal Corporation, the Irrigation Department and the Police Department carried out the operation,” Singh said.

This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.