Who is DM Savin Bansal? Orders Bulldozer Action on 79 Schools in Dehradun, Sparks Controversy

Dehradun: The District Magistrate of Dehradun, Savin Bansal, has once again made headlines, this time for ordering the demolition of 79 dilapidated school buildings in the district. The move follows concerns over the safety of children studying in these structurally unsafe schools.

After reports were presented to DM Bansal highlighting the risks to students, he directed the education department to submit detailed reports. When the submissions were delayed, he took strict action, including seizing the official vehicles of Chief Education Officer Vino Kumar Dhandiyal and District Basic Education Officer Prem Lal Bharti.

A subsequent survey by the district education department identified 66 primary and 13 middle schools as structurally unsound. DM Bansal ordered their demolition through the Public Works Department (PWD), ensuring that an initial budget of ₹1 crore was released to avoid financial hurdles. The PWD has now begun the demolition process.

About DM Savin Bansal
Savin Bansal is a 2009-batch IAS officer from Haryana. He completed his B.Tech from the National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, and a Master’s in Risk and Disaster Management from University College London (UCL). Determined to join the civil services, he succeeded in his second UPSC attempt in 2008, securing 34th rank, and was allocated the Uttarakhand cadre.

Over his career in Uttarakhand, Bansal has served in several capacities, including as DM in Almora and Nainital, before assuming charge in Dehradun in September 2024. He has earned a reputation for making prompt, public-focused decisions.

Other Notable Actions
Alongside the school demolitions, DM Bansal has ordered an investigation into illegal land transactions in the tea garden plots of Pachwadaun. Based on the Sub-Registrar’s report, he formed a four-member team under the ADMs to submit findings within two weeks.

His tenure has also been marked by high-profile incidents and proactive public engagement. These include a viral video with Uttarakhand Minister Ganesh Joshi, rapid grievance redressal during public hearings, innovative use of the Rifle Club Fund for the needy, undercover hospital inspections, and discussions around protocol breaches involving dignitaries.

Even his personal life has drawn attention, such as when his wife stood in a public queue for treatment, highlighting Bansal’s emphasis on egalitarianism.

Regarding the school demolitions, DM Bansal emphasized Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directive to ensure all possible facilities for students. He assured that alternative arrangements had been made to prevent disruption in children’s education during the demolition process.