Dateline Mussoorie: Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) Assistant Engineer Ajay Malik participated in the fourth edition of Mussoorie Samvaad, a monthly meet-the-press initiative organised by the Mussoorie Press.
During the interaction, Malik discussed the key challenges and priorities of the MDDA, whose jurisdiction includes Mussoorie and 13 revenue villages. He also explained the authority’s functioning under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, as adopted by Uttarakhand.
Malik emphasised that court orders and directions issued by competent authorities were being strictly enforced. He said action would continue against building owners found violating regulations and carrying out unauthorised construction or activities.
He urged property owners to obtain the necessary approvals for their building plans from the MDDA and comply with prescribed construction standards before beginning any work.
Highlighting the risks posed by unplanned development in a sensitive mountain region such as Mussoorie, Malik said illegal construction was not only a violation of the law but also posed serious threats to the environment and public safety. He added that unauthorised constructions across the Mussoorie area were being continuously monitored.
The authority appealed to the public to refrain from illegal construction and ensure that all building activities strictly follow approved plans.
Providing details of enforcement measures, Malik stated that 71 notices had been issued within two days, of which 51 properties had already been under scrutiny and had received notices earlier.
During the interaction, he also responded to questions from members of the Mussoorie Press Club on various issues concerning development and urban planning in the hill station.
Malik outlined the work undertaken by the MDDA since its establishment in 1984. He said the authority was spending approximately ₹10–15 crore on development works in Mussoorie, including road repairs, retaining walls, parking facilities, community halls and railing installations. He also highlighted the ongoing development of an eco-park.
Addressing members of the Mussoorie Press Club, Malik reiterated that development was both necessary and inevitable, but stressed that it should not come at the cost of Mussoorie’s fragile environment.
 Assistant Engineer Ajay Malik participated in the fourth edition of Mussoorie Samvaad){kind=link}