Dehradun: In a late-night operation on April 26, local authorities in Dehradun demolished an illegally constructed mazar on the premises of Doon Hospital. This action came after an official investigation was launched following a complaint registered on the Chief Minister’s Helpline portal. The controversial structure, allegedly constructed on government land without authorization, was razed with no remnants left behind in the debris.
The swift and decisive action has sparked debate about accountability and the larger campaign against unauthorized religious structures in Uttarakhand.
The Investigation and Demolition Process
The complaint, filed by Pankaj Gupta, a resident of Rishikesh, set the wheels in motion. Upon receiving the complaint, District Magistrate Savin Bansal directed multiple departments, including the Revenue Office, Municipal Corporation, Public Works Department (PWD), and Doon Hospital Administration, to investigate the structure’s legality. Key questions were addressed:
Was the mazar legally sanctioned? Did it encroach on government land? Was there formal approval for its construction?
A comprehensive investigation revealed that no legal sanctions or permits existed. Consequently, a formal notice was issued to the caretaker, or Khadim, associated with the site. When no legitimate documents were presented, the mazar was declared illegal, and the demolition was carried out early in the morning with police and administrative oversight. The operation was supervised by officials, including City Magistrate Pratyush Singh and Superintendent of Police (SP) City Pramod Singh, alongside teams from the Municipal Corporation and PWD.
The Controversy Surrounding the Mazar
The demolished mazar had been the subject of much debate among Dehradun residents. While some viewed it as a place of religious significance, others questioned its origins and legality. Investigations uncovered allegations of superstitious practices and financial transactions linked to the shrine. The Khadim reportedly interacted with hospital patients and encouraged them to offer prayers and donations at the site.
Patients and their families alleged that the caretaker would visit hospital wards, urging them to visit the shrine for better health outcomes. Many complied out of desperation, resulting in a constant stream of visitors. Every Thursday, long queues of devotees, including patients, attendants, and outsiders, could be seen offering chadars, incense sticks, and monetary donations at the shrine.
Adding to the chaos were illegal street vendors selling sheets and other offerings outside the hospital premises. These activities not only disrupted the hospital’s functioning but also raised serious questions about governance and oversight by the health department.
Accountability and Administrative Oversight
The administrative investigation revealed glaring lapses on the part of the health department and hospital administration. Despite the shrine’s increasing size over the years, no action was taken to address its illegal construction. The health department admitted that the mazar was not recorded in their official documents but failed to explain how it was allowed to expand unchecked. The Doon Hospital premises, bustling with activity around the clock, is frequented by health department officials daily. This raises critical questions:
Why was the construction of the mazar not noticed earlier? Was there deliberate inaction on the part of the authorities?
According to historical records, the mazar began as a small structure approximately 50 years ago. Over time, its size and prominence increased significantly, even undergoing major renovations in recent years. The health department’s failure to take timely action has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning their accountability.
Impact on Patients and Hospital Operations
The illegal shrine caused significant disruption to hospital operations. Patients and their families often complained about restricted movement within the premises due to the crowds gathered around the mazar. Moreover, the caretaker’s influence over vulnerable patients added to their distress, as many felt compelled to visit the shrine in hopes of recovery.
The hospital administration had previously raised concerns about the shrine’s activities, even petitioning the government for its removal. However, these efforts gained momentum only after the complaint was filed on the Chief Minister’s portal.
The Larger Context: A Statewide Crackdown
The demolition of the Doon Hospital mazar is part of a broader campaign by the Dhami government to remove unauthorized religious structures in Uttarakhand. Over 500 illegal mazars have been demolished across the state, alongside 135 unauthorised madrasas and over 50 illegal temples. On April 22, another mazar obstructing the expansion of a national highway in Rudrapur was also demolished, though this case has faced legal challenges.
The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered a comprehensive survey of unauthorized religious structures, instructing the Chief Secretary to form district-wise committees to oversee the process. A detailed report is expected to guide future actions and ensure such encroachments do not recur.
Highlighted systemic gaps in governance
While the demolition of the Doon Hospital mazar has resolved one aspect of the issue, it has also highlighted systemic gaps in governance. Questions about the health department’s negligence, the role of the hospital administration, and the exploitation of patients remain unanswered. These gaps must be addressed to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the operation stands as a testament to the government’s resolve to reclaim public spaces and ensure transparency. Whether this sets a precedent for proactive governance or remains an isolated instance remains to be seen.
