Un necessity for additional roads may unfold in April, as per Ranjona Banerji's assertion.
The picturesque city of Dehradun and the surrounding Uttarakhand region are currently grappling with significant environmental issues. These challenges, largely stemming from irresponsible development, unchecked mining activities, and insufficient urban greenery management, are causing concern among locals and environmentalists alike.
One of the most pressing issues is the destruction of riverbeds and green spaces due to construction projects. A recent case in point is the halted INR 22 crore multi-level parking facility near the Rishiparna river in Dehradun, which faced opposition for cutting trees, damaging green areas, and dumping debris in the riverbed, risking environmental damage and flooding during monsoons.
Uttarakhand also faces serious problems with illegal and excessive mining activities. Sand mining in rivers and large-scale illegal soapstone mining in disaster-prone areas like Joshimath and Bageshwar are causing land cracks, slope subsidence, damage to agricultural fields, and threaten local residents' safety. The state government has been criticized for complicity and attempts to obstruct judicial investigation into these violations.
The health of trees and urban greenery is another concern. Falling trees have caused fatalities in Dehradun, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive tree health surveys and maintenance. Despite appeals by environmentalists and organizations like Citizens for Green Doon, progress on such surveys has been slow and inadequate compared to other cities like Chandigarh.
General regulatory enforcement challenges also contribute to the ecological harm and community risk. Environmental protection measures such as construction restrictions near rivers mandated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) are often overlooked or loosely enforced.
However, there are proposed solutions to these issues. The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened to halt environmentally harmful projects, issuing notices to authorities and demanding compliance with environmental norms. Judicial monitoring of mining operations via court-appointed commissioners has also been initiated following community pleas to document and curtail illegal activities, although challenges due to obstruction and corruption persist.
Environmental groups urge comprehensive tree health assessments and municipal action, proposing models like the Forest Research Institute (FRI)-led tree census done by Chandigarh Municipal Corporation as a template for Dehradun. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and mandatory scrutiny of infrastructure projects have been increasingly emphasized, contributing to Uttarakhand’s increase in forest cover from 64% to over 70% in 25 years despite development.
Public interest litigation and intervention by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and High Court are critical in enforcing regulations, halting unauthorized projects, and compelling authorities to adhere to eco-sensitive policies.
In conclusion, the major environmental challenges for Dehradun and Uttarakhand revolve around irresponsible development near river ecosystems, unchecked mining causing geological hazards, and insufficient urban greenery management. The solutions focus on stronger judicial action, greater civic activism, enforcement of environmental guidelines, comprehensive ecological surveys, and promoting green growth alongside sustainable infrastructure. It is our responsibility to address these issues to ensure a sustainable future for both the region and its inhabitants.
References:
[1] The Indian Express. (2021, March 24). Dehradun: Multi-level parking facility near Rishiparna river halted by Uttarakhand HC. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/dehradun/dehradun-multi-level-parking-facility-near-rishiparna-river-halted-by-uttarakhand-hc-7676900/
[2] The Wire. (2021, February 26). Uttarakhand sand mining: How the state government is undermining the judiciary. Retrieved from https://thewire.in/environment/uttarakhand-sand-mining-how-the-state-government-is-undermining-the-judiciary
[3] The Times of India. (2021, March 14). Dehradun: Fallen trees, poor maintenance – why the city’s greenery is dying. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/dehradun-fallen-trees-poor-maintenance-why-the-citys-greenery-is-dying/articleshow/81685923.cms
[4] Down To Earth. (2021, February 1). Uttarakhand: Court-appointed commissioner to monitor mining activities in Gangotri National Park. Retrieved from https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife/uttarakhand-court-appointed-commissioner-to-monitor-mining-activities-in-gangotri-national-park-77815
[5] Dehradun Municipal Corporation. (2021). Forest cover in Uttarakhand increases to over 70%. Retrieved from https://dehradunmc.gov.in/forest-cover-in-uttarakhand-increases-to-over-70/
- The destruction of riverbeds and green spaces due to irresponsible development is a major environmental issue in Dehradun, as exemplified by the halted multi-level parking facility near the Rishiparna river.
- Unchecked mining activities, such as sand mining in rivers and large-scale illegal soapstone mining in disaster-prone areas, not only cause geological hazards but also threaten the safety of local residents in Uttarakhand.
- Comprehensive tree health surveys and maintenance are urgently needed in Dehradun, given the fatalities caused by falling trees, with initiatives like the Forest Research Institute (FRI)-led tree census in Chandigarh serving as a potential model.
- Addressing these environmental challenges requires strong judicial action, greater civic activism, enforcement of environmental guidelines, and promotion of green growth alongside sustainable infrastructure to ensure a sustainable future for Dehradun and Uttarakhand.
