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Demolition drive launched in Nainital

Dehra Dun: The Nainital administration has launched a massive drive to remove illegal constructions that have come up in the eco-sensitive lake city.

The move is in compliance with a Supreme Court order passed on a petition filed by environmentalist Ajay Rawat, complaining about several illegal, multi-storied buildings around Nainital Lake that have come up in the past 13 years in direct contravention to a 1995 order by the apex court.

The city administration has been asked to strictly implement the order and submit a report by July 31.

A total of 43 buildings has been identified by the administration. Demolition orders have been passed for 31 of these houses in the first phase, Kumaon Commissioner S. Raju, who has been appointed by the court as nodal officer for the drive, said.

“We are trying to vacate the stay orders obtained by owners of the remaining 12,” Mr. Raju said.

The demolition drive has sparked protests against officials who allowed the illegal constructions, local sources said, but Mr. Raju claimed little resistance from agitators.

“We are videographing the drive. Anyone who dares oppose it is punishable by law for contempt of court,” he said. --- PTI

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Demolition drive launched in Nainital

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