The Uttarakhand High Court issued a stay order on the construction of ‘Sainya Dham’ in Dehradun. This decision comes amidst concerns raised over environmental and legal compliance issues related to the project. The court’s intervention aims to ensure that all regulatory norms are meticulously followed.
Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court temporarily stopped the construction of a memorial for fallen soldiers, known as ‘Sainya Dham‘, in Dehradun. This decision made in response to a petition filed by a local resident, Seema Kanojia, who claimed that the project being carried out on private land without the necessary consent from the landowners or any compensation provided to them.
The ‘Sainya Dham’, a proposed memorial intended to honour the soldiers from Uttarakhand who have laid down their lives for the country, has been at the center of a contentious debate.
Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari, presiding over the single bench, issued a stay on the Revenue Department‘s notification dated August 21, 2023, which authorized the construction of the Sainya Dham.
The High Court directed the state government to submit its response to the petition filed by Seema Kanojia, which raises concerns about the construction of the ‘Sainya Dham’ memorial for fallen soldiers in Dehradun.
According to the petition, the Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation Board, responsible for the project, did not obtain permission from the landowners nor provide any compensation for the use of their land in Guniyal village, located along the Mussoorie road.
The court scheduled the next hearing on June 18, allowing the government time to present its stance on the matter.
It is worth noting that the foundation stone for the Sainya Dham laid by the former Chief Minister, Trivendra Singh Rawat, on January 23, 2021.
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This legal battle likely to set a precedent for future development projects in the region, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both development and environmental sustainability.
In summary, the Uttarakhand High Court‘s stay on the ‘Sainya Dham‘ construction highlights the critical interplay between honouring national heroes and preserving the environment, calling for meticulous scrutiny of development projects to ensure sustainable progress.