Drive against encroachment: No extension in deadline

Dehradun, July 17       

The Supreme Court has dismissed the state government’s petition seeking extension of anti-encroachment deadline. Instead, it has asked the government to approach the high court.

Facing criticism from the public, its own MLAs and the Opposition on the anti -encroachment drive underway in Dehradun, on the directions of the high court, the government had approached the SC for relief, but its petition has been turned down.

In its plea, the government had said that the preoccupation of the officials with the ongoing anti-encroachment drive was affecting the relief work that was required as several places in the state were facing floods. It wanted the four-week deadline for removal of encroachments to be extended. 

The high court, in its order on June 18, had ruled that in case the government failed to free Dehradun of encroachments, the Chief Secretary would be held responsible. — TNS