Army captain’s memorial stalled despite fund approval

Dehradun: Nearly two years after Captain Deepak Singh of Kuanwala, Dehradun, was killed while leading an operation against terrorists in Jammu’s Doda on Aug 14, 2024, efforts by the family to build a memorial in the city in his honour remain stalled despite monetary approval.

Singh, a member of the 48th Rashtriya Rifles, was commissioned in the Army in 2020 after graduating from the National Defence Academy. His father, Mahesh Singh, retired as confidential assistant to then Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar. Though originally from Almora, the family was residing in a residential society in Dehradun at the time of Singh’s death.

A recent RTI application filed by Mahesh Singh revealed that the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) had sanctioned Rs 15.8 lakh for a memorial gate near the entrance of the society. “However, space availability became an issue. We held multiple meetings with the society management to provide land, but nothing fruitful came of it,” said local MLA Brijmohan Gairola.

A work order for the project was also issued in Jan this year but later rescinded due to unavailability of land. Before the financial year ended, the sanctioned funds were allocated towards road work.

MDDA vice-chancellor Banshidhar Tiwari could not be reached for comment, but senior officials said the project will be undertaken as soon as land becomes available.

“It is important for the public in Dehradun to know about the sacrifice and bravery of a son of the city. We are exploring all possible avenues. We can try for a school or a distinguished public landmark to be renamed in his honour, and if land becomes available, the memorial gate will be built as per the family’s wishes,” Gairola added.