GIS Mapping to Identify Complaint Hotspots, Accountability of Officials to be Fixed: DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan

146 Public Grievances Heard During Samadhan Diwas; Strict Instructions for Time-Bound Resolution

Administration Takes Firm Stand on Women’s Safety, Land Encroachments and Repeated Public Complaints

Dehradun:
The Dehradun district administration has adopted a new strategy to ensure effective, transparent and long-term resolution of public grievances. During the weekly Samadhan Diwas (Public Grievance Redressal Day) held on Monday, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan announced that areas generating a high number of recurring complaints will now be identified through Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping, and accountability of concerned officials will be fixed accordingly.

The District Magistrate directed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to conduct a department-wise and area-wise analysis of complaints received during the last ten Samadhan Diwas sessions and prepare a comprehensive GIS map. He stated that recurring complaints from specific localities indicate systemic issues that require immediate attention. Such complaint-prone “hotspots” will be identified, and responsible officials will be held accountable to ensure permanent solutions.

Time-Bound Disposal of Complaints Mandatory

During the grievance hearing, Dr. Chauhan personally reviewed and heard 146 public complaints. Major issues raised included illegal land encroachments, boundary disputes, unauthorized occupation of government land, loan waiver requests, electricity and drinking water problems, legal assistance, and financial support-related grievances.

The District Magistrate warned all departments against keeping complaints pending unnecessarily and directed officials to ensure timely and quality resolution of every case. He emphasized that citizens must also be informed about the action taken on their grievances.

Virtual Participation of Officials Made Mandatory

To improve grievance redressal efficiency, Dr. Chauhan instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Superintending Engineers of construction departments to remain connected through virtual mode if they are unable to attend Samadhan Diwas physically. This, he said, would facilitate on-the-spot decisions and faster disposal of cases.

Special priority was directed for grievances received from remote and hilly areas such as Chakrata and Kalsi.

Review of Banking-Related Complaints Ordered

Taking cognizance of complaints related to banking services and loan issues, the District Magistrate directed the Lead Bank Manager to conduct a detailed review. He questioned why proper credit and civil background assessments are not carried out before sanctioning loans, leading to repayment-related difficulties for beneficiaries later.

Stronger Support System for Women

Responding to complaints related to domestic disputes and harassment of women, Dr. Chauhan instructed the District Programme Officer to strengthen the functioning of One Stop Centres operating in the district. He directed officials to ensure immediate legal, social and psychological assistance for women in distress and to undertake extensive awareness campaigns regarding the services available through these centres.

He also directed the police department to take strict action in cases of assault, domestic violence and public disputes to maintain law and order effectively.

Immediate Action Ordered on Key Cases

The District Magistrate issued on-the-spot directions in several important matters brought before the forum:

• In Village Nada of Chakrata block, where PMGSY road cutting work allegedly endangered apple orchards due to the absence of retaining walls and protective painting, the concerned Executive Engineer was directed to complete corrective measures within seven days.
• Regarding complaints of illegal encroachment and unauthorized construction on the historic Khurja Wali Dharamshala land near Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, the SDM Rishikesh and Municipal Corporation officials were instructed to take immediate action.
• Complaints concerning encroachments, sale of tobacco products, and other unlawful activities outside PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Salawala, prompted directions to the Superintendent of Police and Assistant Municipal Commissioner to submit an action report within seven days.
• In Sahaspur, where allegations were made against land mafias for assault and inaction despite an FIR being registered, police and revenue officials were ordered to conduct an immediate joint inquiry.
• Complaints regarding encroachments on ponds, barren land and government wells in Village Chharba led to directions for the Tehsildar, Vikasnagar, to investigate and remove encroachments.
• In a case involving unauthorized road excavation and damage to public property on Mohini Road, the SDM Sadar was instructed to investigate and initiate strict action against those responsible.

Citizens Raise Personal Grievances

Among the complainants, Sudami Devi of Doiwala sought intervention in a family property dispute, while Rajendra Kumar of Ambedkar Marg submitted a grievance related to electricity bill waiver. Appropriate directions were issued to the concerned departments in both cases.

Officials Present

The programme was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) K.K. Mishra, Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Smrita Parmar, SDM Ravindra Jwantha, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar, along with senior district-level officers from various departments. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates also participated through virtual mode.

Concluding the session, Dr. Ashish Chauhan stated that Samadhan Diwas is not merely a platform for hearing complaints but an effective mechanism for ensuring administrative accountability and permanent resolution of public issues. He emphasized that GIS-based grievance analysis would help identify problem-prone areas and strengthen governance through data-driven decision-making.