Dehradun, 6 December: Acting on the directions of District Magistrate Savin Bansal, the district administration carried out a major anti-encroachment drive in the Chandrabhaga area of Rishikesh. More than 20 illegal structures built by encroaching on the banks of the Ganges were demolished during the joint operation.
The action was led by SDM Rishikesh Yogesh Kumar and Municipal Commissioner Gopalram Binwal, with teams from the Revenue Department, Rishikesh Municipal Corporation, and a contingent of police personnel ensuring law and order throughout the operation.
Officials found that sewage from the illegal settlements was being directly discharged into the Ganges, posing a serious threat to river cleanliness and public health. The District Magistrate had been receiving frequent complaints about this issue and had instructed officers to take firm action.
The joint team reached the spot early in the day, inspected the encroached areas, and proceeded with the demolition of unauthorized structures. Adequate police deployment prevented any resistance or interruption during the drive.
District Magistrate Savin Bansal said that ensuring the purity, cleanliness, and conservation of the Ganges River remains one of the administration’s top priorities, and no form of encroachment, illegal construction, or irregular sewage disposal will be tolerated. He directed officials to maintain strict and continuous monitoring in vulnerable areas to prevent future encroachments.
The Municipal Corporation and Revenue Department informed that the affected area is being cleaned regularly and that boundary marking and enhanced surveillance will be undertaken to ensure the land remains encroachment-free.
