Encroachment drive near Kempty Falls sparks local protests

Mussoorie: The National Highway Authority (NHA), in coordination with the local administration, conducted an anti-encroachment drive on Tuesday along NH-707A near Kempty Falls. Approximately 30 roadside shops and temporary structures were demolished, triggering strong opposition from local shopkeepers.Sub-divisional magistrate Manju Rajput said that the illegal encroachments were obstructing the free flow of traffic on the highway, prompting the joint operation."Today, we have removed all illegal temporary structures along the road. We will now issue notices to those who have constructed unauthorised permanent structures, and if they fail to remove them, strict action will follow," said Rajput.Assistant engineer of NHA, Manoj Rathore, added that culvert repairs along the road are also planned to address issues of waterlogging and debris accumulation.Despite strong opposition from the local business community, the drive proceeded without incident, owing to a heavy police presence at the site.Notably, the area around Kempty Falls sees a high influx of tourists, leading to the rapid proliferation of roadside shops on both sides of the highway. This has caused recurring traffic congestion on NH-707A, which serves as a crucial route for pilgrims traveling to Gangotri and Yamunotri.Mussoorie: The National Highway Authority (NHA), in coordination with the local administration, conducted an anti-encroachment drive on Tuesday along NH-707A near Kempty Falls. Approximately 30 roadside shops and temporary structures were demolished, triggering strong opposition from local shopkeepers.Sub-divisional magistrate Manju Rajput said that the illegal encroachments were obstructing the free flow of traffic on the highway, prompting the joint operation."Today, we have removed all illegal temporary structures along the road. We will now issue notices to those who have constructed unauthorised permanent structures, and if they fail to remove them, strict action will follow," said Rajput.Assistant engineer of NHA, Manoj Rathore, added that culvert repairs along the road are also planned to address issues of waterlogging and debris accumulation.Despite strong opposition from the local business community, the drive proceeded without incident, owing to a heavy police presence at the site.Notably, the area around Kempty Falls sees a high influx of tourists, leading to the rapid proliferation of roadside shops on both sides of the highway. This has caused recurring traffic congestion on NH-707A, which serves as a crucial route for pilgrims traveling to Gangotri and Yamunotri.