Huge Rush of Petitioners at Public Hearing Camp; Administration Takes Swift Action on 201 Complaints

Citizens Seek Financial Aid for School Fees, Daughter’s Marriage and House Repairs

Immediate Legal Action Ordered in Cases of Elder Abuse and Property Grabbing

Strict Action Against Absent Officials; Explanations Sought from Four Departments

Dehradun:
A large number of citizens gathered at the public grievance hearing/public durbar organized at the Collectorate premises on Monday under the directions of District Magistrate Savin Bansal. Chaired by Joint Magistrate Rahul Anand, the public hearing witnessed an overwhelming response, with 201 complaints registered on issues related to land disputes, illegal encroachment, harassment, electrical safety, financial assistance, social security, drinking water supply, education, and school fee waivers.

The administration resolved several matters on the spot, while the remaining cases were forwarded to the concerned departments with directions for prompt and lawful action.

During the hearing, several elderly citizens narrated painful stories of family harassment and property disputes. Ailing senior citizen Ghanshyam Bhandari accused his elder son of attempting to illegally occupy his shop and seize his house. In another case, 80-year-old cancer patient Kismat Singh alleged that his daughter and son-in-law fraudulently transferred his land and house in their names and later assaulted him before forcing him out of his home. In both cases, the District Legal Services Authority was directed to initiate immediate legal proceedings and provide relief to the victims.

A 61-year-old widow, Munni Devi of Aamwala, accused her son and daughter-in-law of assaulting and evicting her from her house. Taking the matter seriously, the administration directed the SDM to register a case under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act. Similarly, 65-year-old Godambari Devi alleged harassment by her retired husband and sought half of his pension for her treatment and livelihood.

Public safety concerns also figured prominently during the hearing. Residents from Khala village reported dangerously tilted high-tension electric poles caused by heavy rainfall and landslides, posing a serious threat to commuters. The Electricity Department and Municipal Corporation were directed to take immediate preventive measures.

Another serious issue was raised regarding a high-tension power line passing merely three meters above the building of Government Primary School, Kidduwala, posing a grave threat to students. UPCL officials were instructed to take urgent corrective action.

Residents of Jwalpa Enclave in Mohkampur complained about waterlogging caused by the damaged retaining wall and embankment of a seasonal drain. The Irrigation Department was instructed to resolve the issue on priority. Farmer Suresh Chandra from Bhogpur also demanded construction of a protective wall to prevent erosion of agricultural land during heavy rains.

Villagers from Sorna and Rudrapur complained about illegal encroachment on public land blocking road access. In Majri village, allegations of illegal land occupation by closing an irrigation canal were also raised, following which the SDM was directed to conduct an immediate inquiry and remove encroachments.

Several complaints related to drinking water supply and damaged connectivity roads also surfaced during the hearing. At Government Inter College Bhagdwari Khal, issues regarding disrupted water supply and damaged approach roads prompted directions to the Jal Sansthan and District Panchayati Raj Officer for immediate action.

Raipur resident Subhash Chandra Gupta complained about contaminated drinking water being supplied to his house, following which the Jal Sansthan was instructed to conduct an on-site inspection and resolve the matter urgently.

Premnagar resident Ramesh Singh alleged that despite transferring his electricity and water connections, he was wrongly issued a water bill of ₹38,000. Officials were directed to resolve the issue without delay. Complaints regarding irregular gas distribution and delayed LPG supply by Aniket Gas Agency in Jhajhra were handed over to the Supply Department for investigation.

Several citizens also approached the administration seeking financial assistance. Monica, Anjali and Kunti Devi from Madhowala sought educational assistance for their children, while Anwari Jahan of Azad Nagar requested financial support for her daughter’s marriage. Prem Singh sought aid for house repairs, and Ravikant Sharma and Sunta Sammal appealed for waiver of their children’s school fees. Concerned officials were directed to verify the cases and submit reports promptly.

The administration also took a stern view of the absence of officials from the Municipal Corporation, Animal Husbandry Department, Police Department and Forest Department during the public hearing. Explanations have been sought from the concerned departments.

Among those present during the public hearing were SDMs Smrita Parmar, Vinod Kumar, Apoorva Singh, Kumkum Joshi and Aparna Dhaudiyal, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar, Chief Education Officer V.K. Dhaudiyal, Tehsildar Surendra Dev, Vivek Rajouri, and several district-level officials from various departments.