32 ‘unauthorised’ commercial properties in Landour to face action soon

MUSSOURIE: Following the furore created over hotelier Sanjay Narang’s home in Mussoorie Cantt’s Landour area allegedly violating regulations by being located close to a military establishment -- as many as 32 commercial properties in the Cantt area -- which are believed to be ‘unauthorised’-- could be served notices soon.

According to sources, “a few very prominent names” could feature in this list which is tipped to be released soon. “The details of the properties will be shared with the board members shortly,” Major General Shammi Sabharwal, president of the Cantt Board, told TOI.

Besides the 32 properties, two other properties which serve as guest houses, may be given notices for demolition. According to sources, these decisions were taken in a three-hour long meeting of the Landour Cantt Board on Wednesday. Also, sources said, the Cantt Board – which has jurisdiction over Landour – a high-profile suburb of Mussoorie having many celebrity residents like author Ruskin Bond, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and media moghul Prannoy Roy among others – seems to be intent on ramping up security in the area and regulating tourist traffic.

As part of this plan, an entry tax of Rs 20 would soon be levied on vehicles entering Landour. Many visitors to Mussoorie invariably make a beeline to Char Dukaan in Landour which houses cafes and snack shops, as well as Lal Tibba, a vantage viewing point. “The decision for introducing the toll tax is final. What is yet to be decided is where the toll barrier will be placed,” said Mahesh Chandra, vice president of the Cantt Board.

Besides this, police patrolling for the area is also set to begin soon. Many residents had been complaining that a number of unruly youngsters often make their way up to the area which is secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of Mussoorie. Often, they indulge in drinking sessions and create a nuisance. “Hopefully, with more police presence, the menace caused by these unruly elements would be controlled,” said a local who didn’t wish to be named.