Samadhan Diwas at Collectorate: 140 Public Grievances Raised, DM Directs Swift Action
Strict action ordered on encroachment, pension fraud, property disputes, waterlogging and other public grievances
Dehradun, August 24, 2026: A Samadhan Diwas was organised at the Collectorate auditorium on Monday under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan to ensure prompt, transparent and sensitive resolution of public grievances. A total of 140 complainants presented their issues during the public hearing. The District Magistrate took immediate cognisance of several cases and directed the concerned officials to resolve them promptly, while strict timelines were prescribed for disposal of the remaining matters.
The major issues raised during the hearing included encroachment on land, waterlogging caused by blocked drains, alleged fraud in widow pension applications, domestic violence, property disputes, compensation-related matters, delays in road construction and other development works.
DM Takes Strict Action on Encroachment Complaints
A complaint from Chharba Gram Panchayat in the Langha Road Industrial Area alleged that M/s Haib Pharmaceutical and Research Limited had constructed a wall over a rainwater drain and Gram Samaj land, resulting in waterlogging. The complainant also alleged illegal occupation of two khasra numbers belonging to Babli Devi.
Taking the matter seriously, the District Magistrate directed the Tehsildar, Vikasnagar, and the Manager, District Industries Centre, to conduct an on-the-spot inspection immediately and take action to remove any illegal encroachment found during the investigation.
Similarly, on a complaint regarding illegal construction on Gram Samaj land in Laxmipur village, the DM directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vikasnagar, to conduct an immediate inquiry and take action for removal of the encroachment as per rules.
Pension Fraud Complaint Referred for Investigation
Julie, a resident of Devarshi Colony, complained that a Common Service Centre (CSC) operator had allegedly demanded ₹10,000 for processing her widow pension application. She alleged that after taking ₹4,000, the operator failed to return her original documents.
The District Magistrate directed the Tehsildar, District Programme Officer and concerned Kotwali In-charge to conduct a joint investigation and initiate strict action against the accused if the allegations are found to be true.
Immediate Action Ordered on Cases of Domestic and Social Abuse
A 65-year-old woman, Radharani, from Rishikesh, alleged that her son and daughter-in-law had assaulted her, forced her out of the house and failed to provide financial support. The DM directed the CO Rishikesh and a team of the State Women’s Commission to take immediate necessary action.
In another case, Neema Tolia of Seemadwar alleged that following her husband’s death, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law had attempted to take possession of her property and subjected her to physical and mental harassment. The District Magistrate referred the matter to the District Legal Services Authority and directed that necessary legal assistance be provided to her.
In yet another complaint, a father of two young children alleged that his wife had left with another person and that adequate police action had not been taken. The DM directed the CO concerned to expedite the matter and ensure necessary legal proceedings.
Directions Issued on Compensation, Road and Waterlogging Issues
Farmers from a Gram Panchayat affected by the Lakhwar Dam project complained that they had been deprived of compensation due to a technical error. The District Magistrate assigned the matter to the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) and directed timely resolution.
In Paonwala Sauda, a road project was reportedly pending due to the lack of financial approval. The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to take necessary action.
At Balaji Vihar, complaints were received regarding soil erosion caused by an irrigation drain. The DM directed the Irrigation and Forest Departments to coordinate and initiate necessary work at the site to prevent further erosion and damage.
Inquiry Ordered into Suspicious Death of Employee
A case concerning the suspected death of an employee due to electric shock at Spire Sports Academy in Mohabbewala was also brought before the Samadhan Diwas. The District Magistrate assigned the inquiry to the Executive Engineer, UPCL, and directed that the circumstances surrounding the incident be investigated and appropriate action taken.
Officials Directed to Conduct Field Inspections
District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan instructed officials not to treat complaints received during Samadhan Diwas as a mere formality. He directed that every case must undergo proper field verification, factual examination and time-bound disposal.
The DM emphasised that the administration’s objective is not merely to register complaints but to ensure that complainants receive an actual and effective solution. Officials were directed to take personal responsibility for their respective cases so that citizens do not have to make unnecessary rounds of government offices.
He also laid special emphasis on swift action in cases involving encroachment and public land, while directing officials to adopt a sensitive and coordinated approach in social, family and other vulnerable-person cases.
The Samadhan Diwas was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) K.K. Mishra, Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Smrita Parmar, SDM Aparna Singh, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar, District Programme Officer Jitendra Kumar, along with other district-level officials. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates of the district also participated in the public hearing virtually.
