After Dharamsala havoc, MC slaps notices on encroachers

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, July 17

A week after a flash flood swept away vehicles and caused major damage in tourist hub Bhagsunag, the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation has slapped notices on encroachers who have raised structures close to a natural drain.

Mayor Onkar Nehria said people had constructed small bridges and parking lots, thus narrowing the seasonal drain. “Had these illegal structures not come up, the water would have gushed through the drain’s original course. It, however, diverted onto nearby lanes, sweeping along cars and whatever came its way. The illegal structures acted as a blockade,” he said.

The Mayor said the encroachers had been asked to demolish their illegal structures on their own or else the MC would have to do it.

Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Thakur said any construction on natural watershed areas of drains and rivers was illegal. “We will clear all encroachments so that there is minimum loss of life and property in case any such eventuality in future,” he said.

The increase in the land cost in Dharamsala has resulted in encroachments on riverbeds and natural drains. The authorities too have been complacent to new buildings and commercial complexes being brought up on protected land. Some people have constructed bridges to connect their hotels and properties across streams.