Uttarakhand has begun a state-wide campaign against illegal construction, unauthorised plotting and commercial activities operating from residential properties. The action follows the Supreme Court’s strict stance and will include surveys, notices, sealing and demolition where violations are established.
The Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Authority has directed the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) and other district development authorities to begin enforcement. The programme covers buildings constructed without approved maps and commercial establishments operating in properties sanctioned for residential use.
Under the plan, each development authority will appoint a nodal officer. The officer’s email address will be made public, while a dedicated digital portal will receive complaints. Police and district administration personnel will be deployed fully during sealing and demolition operations.
Notices issued in Dehradun and Haridwar
MDDA has issued notices to around 2200 people in Dehradun for running shops, restaurants and other commercial establishments from residential buildings. The notices follow action against commercial use that does not match the approved residential purpose.
In Haridwar, more than 570 people have received notices over construction that allegedly differs from the approved building map. The figures reflect notices issued at this stage, not completed demolitions.
Authorities will survey residential buildings being used for commercial purposes before issuing sealing notices. In Pauri district, sealing notices have already been issued for 28 constructions. In Pithoragarh, 5 people, including those running coaching institutes from residential homes, have received notices.
Surveys continue across 5 districts
Identification and data collection are continuing in Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar districts. Notices and sealing action will begin in those areas after the ongoing process is completed.
The government has ordered a broad survey of notified development areas, colonies and housing societies. Officials are preparing lists of residential buildings where commercial activities are being conducted.
The planned sequence is to seal commercial activities operating in residential areas under the applicable rules. After notices and an opportunity for a hearing, authorities will take up demolition action where required. The administration has also stated that enforcement will not follow a selective “pick and choose” policy.
Dinesh Pratap Singh, Joint Chief Administrator of the Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Authority, said instructions had been issued to all district-level development authorities and local bodies to ensure strict compliance with Supreme Court orders. He said authorities had begun sending notices.
For residents and property users, the immediate impact is the survey and notice process. Businesses operating from residential premises may face sealing, while structures found to violate approved plans may proceed to further action after the required notice and hearing stages.
Conclusion
Uttarakhand’s campaign has moved from government instructions to surveys and notices. Authorities will now identify violations, hear affected parties and pursue sealing or demolition according to the stated enforcement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Uttarakhand’s new campaign targeting?
The campaign targets illegal construction, unauthorised plotting and commercial activities operating from residential properties.
Q. Which authorities are carrying out the action?
The Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Authority has directed MDDA, HRDA and other district development authorities to act.
Q. How many notices have been issued in Dehradun?
MDDA has issued around 2200 notices over commercial activities in residential buildings.
Q. How many notices have been issued in Haridwar?
More than 570 people have received notices over construction that differs from approved building maps.
Q. What action is planned after the survey?
Authorities will issue notices, conduct the required hearing process and then take up sealing or demolition where applicable.
Q. Which districts are still collecting details?
Nainital, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar are continuing identification and data collection.
Q. What has happened in Pauri and Pithoragarh?
Pauri has issued sealing notices for 28 constructions, while 5 people in Pithoragarh have received notices, including over coaching institutes operating from residential homes.
Q. How can complaints be submitted?
A dedicated digital portal will be operated for complaints, and each development authority will publish the email address of its nodal officer.
