DM Cracks Down on Encroachment, Illegal Factory and Irregularities in Disaster Works; Orders Probes
Over 150 complaints received during Jan Samadhan Diwas; DM directs officials to ensure time-bound and quality disposal
Probe ordered into alleged irregularities in disaster-related works in Papadiyan village; report sought within 7 days
Illegal heavy-welding factory operating amid residential area to be sealed; probe ordered into encroachment on government land and four-storey construction
Dehradun, August 17, 2026: As part of the weekly Jan Samadhan Diwas, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan on Monday heard grievances of citizens from various parts of the district at the Collectorate auditorium. More than 150 complaints were received during the public grievance hearing, with several matters being resolved on the spot.
The District Magistrate directed officials to ensure that public grievances are addressed with priority, sensitivity and within the stipulated timeframe. He emphasized that complaints should not be disposed of merely as a formality and that the actual problem faced by the complainant must be resolved. Officials were also instructed to inform complainants about the action taken on their grievances.
Probe ordered into alleged irregularities in disaster works in Papadiyan
Taking serious note of a complaint regarding alleged fraud and irregularities in disaster-related works carried out in Gram Panchayat Papadiyan, Vikasnagar, between 2023 and 2026, the District Magistrate ordered a joint inquiry.
He directed the District Development Officer and District Disaster Management Officer to jointly investigate the matter and submit a detailed report within seven days.
The officers have been instructed to examine available records, sanctioned works, the works actually carried out on the ground and expenditure incurred under the concerned disaster-relief head. The DM directed that appropriate action be taken as per rules if any irregularity is established.
Illegal heavy-welding factory in residential area to be sealed
The DM also took serious note of a complaint regarding the alleged illegal operation of a factory equipped with heavy welding machines in the middle of a residential area in Jhiwarheri village of Vikasnagar.
He directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vikasnagar, and General Manager, District Industries Centre (GM-DIC) to take immediate action and seal the factory.
An earlier inspection by the District Industries Centre had reportedly found that the site was not classified for industrial use. The required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Pollution Control Board and Fire Department had also not been obtained.
Taking serious note of the continued operation of the factory despite the absence of required permissions and alleged violations of safety norms, the District Magistrate directed the concerned officials to initiate immediate action as per the applicable rules.
Probe ordered into encroachment on government land and four-storey construction
The District Magistrate also ordered an inquiry into a complaint regarding alleged illegal encroachment and construction on government land belonging to the Municipal Corporation and Gram Samaj.
The complaint also alleged the construction of a four-storey house on the disputed land.
The DM directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sadar, and Tehsildar, Sadar, to conduct a spot inspection and examine revenue records and documents related to the land and construction.
He instructed the officials to take action according to law if illegal encroachment or unauthorized construction is found and submit a report accordingly.
Police directed to act on complaint of attempted illegal possession of ancestral land
Residents of Mihuwala—Mohammad Shahid Rao, Khurshida Begum and Ikram—submitted a complaint alleging that land mafias were attempting to forcibly occupy their ancestral property and had also resorted to assault.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, the District Magistrate directed the police department to conduct a factual inquiry and take necessary action.
He emphasized the need to maintain law and order and ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations.
Financial assistance for artificial limbs to be provided
The DM also took immediate cognizance of a complaint submitted by Surya Prakash, who sought financial assistance for artificial limbs for both his legs.
He directed the District Social Welfare Officer to examine the matter and ensure necessary action under the applicable provisions. The officer was instructed to complete the process for providing assistance within 15 days and inform the complainant about the action taken.
Inquiry ordered into denial of admission to special child
The District Magistrate also took serious note of a complaint concerning the admission of a special child, Prince Agrawal, to the Latika Rai Foundation.
The child’s father and sole guardian stated that although the pre-admission process at the foundation had been successfully completed, the admission process was not taken forward despite repeated requests.
Seeking intervention from the District Magistrate, the complainant requested necessary action in the best interest of the child.
Taking the matter seriously, the DM directed the District Social Welfare Officer and District Probation Officer to jointly investigate the case and submit a report within seven days.
He instructed the officers to examine all facts impartially and ensure action in accordance with the rules, keeping the best interests, care and overall development of the child as the top priority.
DM stresses accountability and quality in grievance redressal
Dr. Ashish Chauhan directed officials to ensure that complaints received during Jan Samadhan Diwas are resolved within the prescribed timeframe and with transparency and accountability.
He emphasized that grievance redressal should go beyond paperwork and that officials must ensure an actual solution to the problems faced by citizens. He also directed departments to maintain proper records of the action taken on each complaint and keep complainants informed.
Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) K.K. Mishra, Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Smita Parmar, Chief Education Officer Sri Jaiswal, Additional Superintendent of Police, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar, District Programme Officer (Child Development) Jitendra Kumar, and officials from other concerned departments were present during the Jan Samadhan Diwas.
