| Almora |
A serious issue of alleged illegal encroachment on a public pathway, a Hindu temple area, and a cremation-related religious site has surfaced in Dubkiya Ward No. 03 under Almora Municipal Corporation. Local councillor Anju Bisht, along with residents of the area, has submitted a formal complaint to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami demanding immediate intervention and strict action in the matter.
According to the complaint letter, a private individual has allegedly encroached upon public land, including a pathway used by local residents and areas associated with religious and cremation activities. Residents claim that the encroachment has created serious inconvenience for public movement and has also hurt religious sentiments in the locality.
Councillor Anju Bisht stated that the issue is not merely related to land, but concerns public rights, religious faith, and social harmony. She alleged that because of the encroachment, local people are facing difficulties in carrying out traditional religious rituals and funeral-related activities.
She further said that the matter had already been brought to the notice of the administration and concerned departments several times in the past. However, despite repeated complaints, no permanent solution has been provided so far.
Residents have expressed strong resentment over what they described as the administration’s “indifferent attitude.” According to them, the lack of timely action has encouraged encroachers and increased public frustration.
During the Chief Minister’s visit to Almora, residents hoped that the issue would finally receive proper attention. Through the complaint letter, they urged the Chief Minister to personally take cognizance of the matter and direct the concerned officials to conduct an immediate inspection and remove the alleged encroachment without delay.
Anju Bisht stated that public pathways and religious places should not be allowed to fall victim to illegal occupation under any circumstances. She warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, local residents may be forced to launch a larger democratic protest.
Local citizens said that blocked access routes are causing major problems for women, children, and elderly residents. They also claimed that obstruction near the cremation-related site has created difficulties in conducting religious customs and last rites.
The complaint letter demanded that the administration form a joint team consisting of revenue officials, municipal authorities, and police personnel to investigate the matter impartially. Residents further requested that if encroachment is confirmed, immediate steps should be taken to clear the land and restore public access.
Several local residents signed the complaint letter in support of the demand for legal action. Those who signed included Rakesh Bisht, Pooja, Mahesh, Dan Singh, Raju, Shanti Devi, Dheeraj Rawat, Deepak, Kala Devi, Reema Bisht, Hardayal Singh, Majinder Singh, Kheem Raj, Harish Singh, Ranjit Singh, Hafeez, and many other residents of the ward.
Residents warned that if the administration fails to act promptly, they will intensify their movement in the coming days.
