Uttarkahand – Widespread resentment is growing across Haldwani, Nainital and Ramnagar over the functioning of the District Development Authority (DDA). Traders claim the authority first approves building maps and later declares the same constructions illegal, sealing or demolishing them without accountability.
The recent incident in Haldwani’s Unchapul area—where a building approved by the DDA was later declared illegal and demolished—has intensified public anger. Traders allege that the authority is using “system seals” to intimidate people, while selectively favouring influential individuals.
According to local traders, the DDA seals basement showrooms citing rule violations, only to reopen them months later. They allege that while middle-class families struggle to get small constructions approved, large commercial buildings are rising in violation of norms with the support of officials.
Protestors argue that the authority has even encroached on hill regions, closing traditional pathways, water sources and routes in the name of development. Many organisations have demanded that the DDA be scrapped entirely and corrupt officials face legal action.
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What Traders Say
“The authority has become impractical and exploitative. Middle-class families are forced to pay money even for small approvals, while big structures rise openly under official protection.”
— Vipin Gupta, District President, Provincial Industries and Trade Board
“The DDA is approving six-storey buildings without proper technical staff. In areas like Damuadunga and Rajpura, even basic map approvals don’t happen on time.”
— Hukum Singh Kunwar, Founder President, Devbhoomi Industries and Trade Board
“People are running from office to office for map approvals. The system has become a tool for extortion.”
— Harshvardhan Pandey, District General Secretary, Provincial Industries and Trade Board
“The authority harasses small investors by issuing notices over minor shortcomings.”
— Virendra Gupta, State Organisation In-Charge, Provincial Urban Industries and Trade Board
“In old parts of Haldwani, renovation should be permitted according to existing streets and traditional structures.”
— Daljeet Singh Dalli, President, Matar Gali Traders Association
“Map-related files remain pending for months unless money changes hands. At the same time, illegal constructions over drains and canals continue with ‘settings’.”
— Atul Kumar Gupta, State In-Charge, Akhil Ekta Industries and Trade Board
“The authority has become a burden on residents. The government must investigate who is enabling such arbitrary actions.”
— Kundan Bisht, District President, Provincial Urban Industries and Trade Board
“Large commercial complexes are rising unchecked, while families living for generations cannot build even one extra room.”
— Bhuvan Lal Sah, Former President, Talli Tal Trade Board
“Strict rules apply only to common people, not to those putting up multi-storey buildings overnight.”
— Manoj Sah, Cloth Trader, Talli Tal
