• Source:Jagran News Network

Taking a strict stand against widespread filth along national highways and public places, the Dehradun district administration has issued criminal notices to officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). District Magistrate Savin Bansal has invoked Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) over large-scale garbage accumulation on both sides of national highways, including stretches from Haridwar Bypass Road to Airport Road, Laltappar, Lacchhiwala, and the Raiwala area.

The District Magistrate has directed that all waste be removed within seven days, warning that failure to comply will lead to the automatic registration of a criminal case against the concerned officials, carrying a provision of imprisonment of up to six months.

ALSO READ: Khatima Violence: Tension Takes Over Uttarakhand After Man Stabbed To Death In Violent Clash

An inspection conducted by teams of Tehsildars from Doiwala and Rishikesh, on the DM’s instructions, found extensive piles of garbage posing serious risks of groundwater pollution, foul odour, and the spread of infectious diseases. In areas adjoining forest land, the waste has also attracted monkeys and elephants, increasing the risk of road accidents and potential loss of life.

Large quantities of rubbish were found along Haridwar Bypass Road from Rispena Bridge to Lacchhiwala, near Bhaniyawala toll plaza, Airport Road, and Laltappar. Plastic waste, polythene, food packets, and other solid waste were also observed near the Raiwala underpass, Pratitnagar village, Raiwala railway station, and along national highway service roads.

Following these findings, notices have been issued to the Project Director of NHAI, the Divisional Forest Officer (Doon), and the Executive Engineer of the NH Division, Doiwala, directing them to ensure the complete removal of waste within seven days and to establish a permanent cleaning mechanism. These officials have also been summoned to appear before the SDM court on December 19, 2025.

In connection with filth found at Pratitnagar Raiwala, the old railway station, the Raiwala underpass, and nearby service roads, criminal notices have additionally been issued to the Assistant Conservator of Forests, the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (Lonivi), Rishikesh, the Additional Chief Officer of the Zila Panchayat, and the Railway Superintendent of Raiwala.

ALSO READ: Gurugram Municipal Corporation Headquarters Set To Open By 2026; Work Restarts

The District Magistrate has instructed all concerned departments to ensure full disposal of waste from all identified sites by December 19 and submit compliance reports with photographs to the court. Failure to do so will require the officials to appear in court on December 20, 2025, to explain the lapse.

DM Savin Bansal warned that negligence related to public health, sanitation, and environmental protection will not be tolerated. Regular inspections will continue, and strict punitive action will be taken against departments and officials found responsible under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.


Also In News