Indian Thought Latest News & Views
Delhi:The Uttarakhand High Court (High Court) has directed the state government to file its response to an urgent plea highlighting illegal construction in the ecologically fragile foothills between Dehradun and Mussoorie.
The matter was heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Subhash Upadhyay, which has granted the government three weeks to submit its reply.
🌿 Ecological Concerns Raised
The application, filed under an ongoing public interest litigation (PIL), highlights serious environmental threats posed by rapid and unregulated construction in the foothill region. The area is considered a vital ecological buffer that helps maintain the environmental balance of the Doon Valley.
The petitioner, a Dehradun-based resident and former faculty member at National Law School of India University, has argued that construction activity has significantly increased in recent years, even as the case remained pending before the court.
⚖️ Regulations vs Ground Reality
Advocate Abhijay Negi, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that while legal provisions exist, their implementation remains weak.
He referred to Clause 4.4 of the state’s building bylaws, introduced in 2015 to regulate construction in fragile hill zones. However, the plea claims that enforcement on the ground is “virtually non-existent,” allowing unauthorized structures to come up in restricted areas.
🏞️ Sensitive Zones Under Pressure
The petition further states that in 2019, the government identified multiple areas within these foothills as ecologically sensitive. These zones are crucial for:
- Preventing landslides
- Acting as carbon sinks
- Preserving biodiversity
Despite such classification, the region has reportedly become a hotspot for illegal construction due to inadequate monitoring and enforcement.
⚠️ Court’s Direction
Recognising the urgency of the issue, the high court has formally sought the state government’s response, signalling the need for immediate attention and possible regulatory action.
