Dehradun, August 10, 2026: More than 145 complainants brought their grievances before Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup during the Samadhan Diwas (Public Grievance Redressal Day) held at the Collectorate auditorium on Monday.
The Commissioner patiently heard the grievances and directed officials to resolve several matters on the spot. For complaints requiring further action, concerned departmental officials were instructed to ensure prompt and effective disposal.
During the programme, the Commissioner also reviewed complaints pending on the Chief Minister’s Helpline as well as pending Chief Minister’s announcements at the departmental level.
Expressing strong displeasure over several complaints that had remained pending on the CM Helpline for more than 180 days, Anand Swarup directed the concerned departments to ensure that all such cases are resolved within one month.
He also instructed officials to give priority to complaints pending for more than 36 days and ensure their early disposal.
Free Health Check-ups for Elderly Complainants at Collectorate
Taking note of the large number of senior citizens attending the Samadhan Diwas, the Garhwal Commissioner directed officials to arrange free health check-ups for elderly complainants within the Collectorate premises.
He said senior citizens should not have to wait for long periods for the disposal of their grievances. The health facility will allow them to undergo basic medical examinations while waiting for their turn.
Immediate Action Ordered on Road and Safety Wall Issues
The president of the Khat Koru Vikas Samiti raised the issue of several sanctioned roads in the Kalsi development block where construction work had not yet begun.
The Commissioner directed the concerned officials to initiate the construction work at the earliest.
The Gram Pradhan of Badassi Grant complained that the rising water level of the Song River had damaged a protective wall and that the river flow was moving towards the populated area, creating a potential threat.
The Commissioner directed the Divisional Forest Officer to conduct a spot inspection and prepare a proposal for construction of a protective wall along the Song River.
A complaint regarding encroachment on Gram Samaj land in Badassi Grant was also taken up. The Tehsildar was directed to investigate the matter and remove illegal encroachments as per rules.
Residents of Bank Colony in Ajabpur Kalan complained that rainwater was entering their homes during heavy rainfall. Public Works Department officials were directed to take immediate action and ensure a permanent solution to the problem.
Damaged Footbridge and Rain-Affected House Issues Raised
Former Kalsi Block Pramukh Mathor Singh Chauhan raised the issue of a footbridge in the Degda area under Salga Gram Panchayat that had been damaged due to heavy rainfall.
The Commissioner directed the concerned officials to immediately submit an assessment under the disaster relief fund.
Meanwhile, Aarahgar resident Manchal Bala complained that she had not received ex-gratia assistance for repairing her house, which was damaged by rainfall last year.
The Tehsildar was directed to conduct a spot inspection and submit a proposal in accordance with SDRF norms.
Strict Action Ordered Over Obstruction of Public Road
Residents of Danda Lakhound Ward No. 60 complained that a connecting road from Sahastradhara Road to Defence Colony Enclave had allegedly been blocked by local individuals.
According to the complainants, two pillars nearly seven feet high had been erected on the road and iron girders installed, restricting the movement of school buses, vans, ambulances and tractor-trolleys.
The Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department to investigate the matter and take immediate necessary action.
Municipal Corporation Asked to Crack Down on Improper Drainage Connections
Residents of Ward No. 41 in Haripur Kalan complained that rainwater from buildings was being connected to sewer lines, resulting in sewage water entering residential premises.
Taking the matter seriously, the Commissioner directed the Municipal Corporation to conduct an inspection campaign across the city and take strict action against those found violating the rules.
₹20 Lakh House Fraud Complaint Reaches Samadhan Diwas
Manmohan Saklani, a resident of IT Park, complained of an alleged ₹20 lakh fraud in a house purchase transaction.
He stated that he had paid ₹20 lakh to the house owner under a written agreement for purchasing the property. However, the owner was now allegedly refusing to execute the sale deed and was also not returning the money.
The Commissioner directed the SDM to investigate the matter and ensure disposal in accordance with the law.
Police Action Ordered on Complaint of Assault and Threat to Senior Citizen
Sixty-eight-year-old Prem Singh Bisht complained that his son-in-law was allegedly assaulting and threatening him with the intention of taking possession of his house.
He alleged that attempts were being made to evict him from his own residence.
Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the Garhwal Commissioner directed the SP City to take immediate necessary action.
Compensation for Land Acquired in Rishikesh Pending Since 2007
A complaint regarding compensation for land and shops acquired for construction of the road from ISBT Rishikesh to Chandrabhaga Bridge, which has reportedly remained pending since 2007, was also raised.
The Commissioner directed the Officer on Special Duty, DLRC, to submit a report on the matter.
Residents also raised concerns over the non-construction of a six-kilometre motor road from Kawa Kheda Gram Panchayat to Kandoi Bharam.
The Public Works Department was directed to take necessary action at the earliest.
Damaged School Wall and PM Surya Ghar Fraud Complaint
A complaint regarding damage to the wall of the residential campus of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose School in Kaulagarh due to heavy rainfall was also presented.
Education Department officials were directed to submit a proposal immediately for necessary action.
Meanwhile, Shubhav Vyas complained of alleged fraud in the name of installing a solar system under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
The Superintending Engineer of the Electricity Department was directed to ensure immediate action against those responsible.
Local Issues Should Be Resolved at Local Level: Commissioner
At the conclusion of the Samadhan Diwas, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup directed all officials to ensure that local grievances are resolved at the appropriate departmental, tehsil or local level instead of forcing citizens to approach the district headquarters.
He stressed that unnecessary delays in grievance redressal would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner also directed officials to take strict legal action against illegal encroachments, unlawful occupation of land and land mafias.
He instructed departments to remain sensitive towards public grievances and regularly monitor the status of pending complaints.
Senior Officials Present
District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan, Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, DFO Vaibhav Singh, Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue) K.K. Mishra, Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Smrita Parmar, SP Jagdish Pant, Joint Magistrate Rahul Anand, City Magistrate Rakesh Tiwari, SDM Sadar Apoorva Singh, SDM Aparna Dhaudiyal and other district-level officials from various departments were present during the Samadhan Diwas.
