‘Illegal hill cutting on in parts of Doon’

Dehradun: Activists and residents of Dehradun have raised their voices against blatant violation of the foothill policy as hillocks in Sahastradhara area of Doon continue to be flattened for construction activities. People are worried as already over a dozen hillocks in the Himalayan foothills between Dehradun and Mussoorie have been flattened after the Dehradun district administration gave permission in the past six years.
Members of the NGO, Citizens for Green Doon (CFGD) claimed that despite raising the matter, the authorities have not done anything to stop the violation. Sahastradhara area residents alleged that the hill-cutting activities in their area were happening clandestinely at night.The state bylaws prohibit construction wherever the natural slope is more than 30 degrees. And for flattening of hillocks, stringent environmental norms have to be cleared and requisite approvals are required from both state and central governments as Doon had been declared an eco-sensitive zone in 1989.
The hill-cutting, residents further add, is turning the terrain more unstable. “Almost a week ago, we connected with the area's zila panchayat members to understand whether permission was granted for the road and flattening of the hillocks. The concerned people denied giving any permission to anyone. The works happen at night so that no one can stop them,” said a resident of Sahastradhara, requesting anonymity.
The CFGD members are worried because this is in contravention of an ongoing PIL at the high court regarding protection of foothill policy filed by activist, Reenu Paul.
“In Sahastradhara zone, the hillocks are being cut and flattened for real estate-related works. First, they cut trees and then flatten the hillocks. This will have a disastrous impact on the region's ecology. The foothill matter is subjudice. At least, till then, the district administration should protect these hillocks,” said a CFGD member. District magistrate of Dehradun, R Rajesh Kumar, when contacted, said, “We have not received any written complaint so far. In case someone comes across any kind of illegal hillock flattening or encroachment anywhere in Dehradun, they should approach us.”