Illegal construction continues to haunt Mussoorie's beauty

Mussoorie (Uttarakhand), May 12 (ANI): Despite the Supreme Court's ruling in 1994 banning illegal constructions, the illicit constructions in Uttarakhand's Mussoorie city is reportedly affecting the beauty of the hills.

The illegal construction here had stopped after the apex court's verdict, but the rich and prosperous businessmen and hoteliers coming from other states continue to indulge in illegal construction.

"Common man is not involved in the illegal construction going on in Mussoorie. They cannot act against the Supreme Court ruling. The illegal construction going on the in the valley is mostly done by the hoteliers and businessmen," said Anuj Tayal, a resident of Mussoorie.

"They have settled here from other states and it is affecting the beauty of Mussoorie. Environment is also affected by it," he added.

The residents here claimed the illegal constructions are going on because of the collusion between the government officials and violators of law.

"After the supreme court ban on construction in Mussoorie, illegal construction has increased. Only the locals follow the ruling and for those coming from outside for business and are rich enough it has no meaning," said Rajat Aggarwal, another resident of Mussoorie.

"Even the government is unable to stop these constructions especially in cases where rich businessmen belonging to other states are involved," he added.

Mussoorie is a hill station, situated in the foothills of the Himalaya ranges, about thirty-four kilometers from Dehradun. It is also known as the 'Queen of the Hills'. (ANI)