Masuri’s Hills Turn Concrete Jungle Amid Plinth Certificate Controversy

Masuri, Uttarakhand: Once celebrated as the “Queen of Hills” for its natural beauty, Masuri is now under threat from unregulated construction, with the misuse of plinth certificates emerging as the central issue. Environmentalists and locals warn that the hill station is rapidly transforming into a concrete jungle.

Plinth Certificates Under Scrutiny
According to reports, the Municipal Council of Masuri has been issuing plinth certificates indiscriminately, allowing developers to bypass established building norms. Allegedly, during the tenure of the previous municipal board, rules were routinely overlooked, permitting the felling of hills and construction of multi-storey buildings on sensitive terrains.

Local residents claim that plinth certificates were even issued for steep slopes and fragile areas, often without proper site inspections. The Forest Department reportedly granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) without verification, which were subsequently used by the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) to approve building plans.

Commercial Activities Disguised as Residential
Sources indicate that while most plans were approved under the “domestic” category, developers are operating hotels, homestays, cafes, and other commercial ventures. Experts argue this not only violates building regulations but also exceeds Masuri’s carrying capacity, placing the region at environmental and ecological risk.

Warnings Ignored
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has previously issued warnings regarding Masuri’s increasing carrying capacity, but enforcement remains weak. Heavy machinery continues to operate day and night, chipping away at the hillsides. Existing regulations restrict construction height to 11 meters, yet taller structures now dominate the landscape, raising questions about oversight and complicity.

Allegations Against Authorities
Residents and environmentalists accuse the Mining Department and local administration of remaining silent, while some MDDA officials are suspected of corruption and negligence, effectively facilitating unchecked construction.

Call for Immediate Intervention
Locals have demanded urgent action from Masuri MLA and Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, insisting on a comprehensive investigation into plinth certificate issuance, NOCs, and building approvals. They warn that without strict enforcement and accountability, Masuri’s very existence as a hill station is at risk.