To ensure the prompt resolution of rural issues and to review the ground-level implementation of government schemes, the Dehradun district administration has launched a unique initiative called ‘Ratri Chaupal’ (night-time community meeting). The first such meeting was held in Theva (Maldevta) Gram Panchayat, located in the Raipur development block, under the chairmanship of Chief Development Officer (CDO) Abhinav Shah.
During the meeting, villagers raised concerns regarding a damaged canal, a dilapidated school building, waterlogging caused by road construction, and crop diseases. The CDO directed the relevant departments to take immediate action:
• Agriculture and Irrigation: Instructions were issued to send samples of paddy crops—affected by weeds and diseases—to Pantnagar for testing, and to repair the damaged canal and culvert.
• Drinking Water and Education: A budget was approved on the spot to address the drinking water issue at the school, and emphasis was placed on the urgent repair of the dilapidated school building.
• Health: Discussions were held regarding the upgrading of the Maldevta Primary Health Centre (PHC) to ‘Category B’, and directives were given to ensure the availability of anti-rabies injections.
Prior to the meeting, the officials also conducted on-site inspections of an Anganwadi centre and a ration shop.
