Haldwani, May 16 -- The Nainital District Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday demolished illegal constructions of an unauthorised colony at Gaulapar area of Haldwani in Nainital district, officials said, adding that they also cracked down on villagers who carried out plotting without valid permissions. A joint team comprising DDA officials and police personnel, led by DDA joint secretary AP Bajpai, reached the site at Devla Talla Pajaya village and asked the builders to present an approved layout plan for the colony. When they failed to do so, the team proceeded to demolish the unauthorised structures with excavators, they added. According to officials, over 150 plots - both large and small - were reportedly sold without following due process, following which an illegal colony cropped up. However, none of the required standards such as roads, drainage systems, or green areas were met. "The DDA issued a notice to the builder to halt illegal plotting, but despite that, construction continued. Following due process and completion of all paperwork, the demolition drive was carried out," said Bajpai. "No illegal colony will be allowed to come up in Haldwani," said, Bajpai adding, "Such unauthorised developments lead to problems like waterlogging, inadequate roads, and poor drainage. It is essential to meet DDA standards before any colony is established."...