Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun is witnessing an anti-encroachment drive being undertaken by teams of the Dehradun Municipal Corporation.

The drive began last week after the notice from Uttarakhand High Court on the rampart encroachment in parts of the city. The matter of encroachment was taken up on priority by the court following a PIL against encroachments.

Temporary encroachments on roads, extended constructions outside shops on roads and lanes that encroach upon public spaces, have been targeted. Past offenders are in focus.

Structures for demolition have been categorised under those built before 2009 and those built after 2009. Structures faulting and built after 2009 are in focus.

Reportedly, religious places in the city were inspected by the anti-encroachment taskforce to check whether they encroach on public spaces.

The encroachment drive is not being welcomed by the trading community. Dussehra and Diwali are expected to bring some cheer to the community. They have said that business has been hit by the spread and threat of Covid-19 and the encroachment drive is adding to their woes.

Recently the Uttarakhand High Court issued fresh instructions on the issue.

It asked the city administration to take action against those who create hurdles in the implementation of the orders from the court.

Additional District Magistrate Arvind Pandey has been quoted as saying: “We are conducting the drive under the direction of the High Court and are receiving support of the public. No illegal structure will be spared (sic).”