Between a River and a New Home The Standoff Over Dehradun’s Floodplain Relocation:

For the 116 families living in the Kathbangla colony along Dehradun’s Rispana River, the morning of February 16, 2026, brought a message that changed everything. A fresh notice from the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) was pasted across the neighborhood, delivering a chilling ultimatum: Move out in three days, or face the bulldozers.

By Thursday, February 19, the administration plans to begin a massive demolition drive to clear "illegal encroachments" from the river's floodplain, following strict directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The Relocation Plan: A Safety Net or a Trap?

The MDDA isn't just asking people to leave; they are directing them to newly constructed Economically Weaker Section (EWS) flats built by the Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC).

The Ready Status: Authorities claim the flats are finally ready, complete with electricity, water, and sewer connections. Previous delays caused by the Jal Sansthan have reportedly been resolved.

The List: The notice includes a specific list of "eligible" families who have been allotted these units.

The Fear in Kathbangla

Despite the offer of a new roof, the mood in the colony is far from celebratory. Residents describe the three-day window as "mental torture."

Logistical Nightmare: "How can we pack up an entire household and move our children and elderly in just three working days?" asked one resident.

Safety Concerns: Many families are hesitant to move into the EWS flats, claiming the new buildings are also located dangerously close to the floodplain and may have suffered structural damage during previous monsoon floods.

The 2016 Rule: Activists argue that many of these families have lived here since long before March 2016, a cutoff date that usually protects residents from sudden eviction under current state laws.

A City in Transition

This move is part of a larger, long-term vision to revive the Rispana River, which has struggled for years with pollution and shrinking banks. However, the human cost of this environmental cleanup is becoming increasingly visible. Last year, 26 houses were demolished in the same area before protests halted the operation. This time, the administration seems determined to finish the job.

As Thursday approaches, the families of Kathbangla are caught in a desperate race against time. For them, the Rispana isn't just a river on a map or an NGT case file—it’s the place they’ve called home for decades.