150 tonnes garbage cleared in first week of 100-day cleanliness drive to restore Doon’s rivers
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) claims to have cleared about 150 tonnes of garbage in the first week of a 100-day special cleanliness drive to improve the condition of the Rispana and Bindal rivers.
The MCD officials said that the campaign, which began on March 8, has already resulted in removal of about 150 tonnes of garbage and debris from rivers, drains and water channels across the city. Tractors-trolleys and mechanical excavators are being used to clear plastic waste, silt and other debris. The officials said that the cleaning work is being carried out before the monsoon season so that water can flow smoothly and the risk of waterlogging in the city can be reduced.
The Rispana and Bindal rivers were once important natural water sources for the city and nearby areas. However, rapid urbanisation, encroachment and continuous dumping of waste have turned most stretches of these rivers into drain-like channels filled with sludge and garbage.
Despite the door-to-door garbage collection system, some people continue to dump waste into rivers and drains, especially during night hours or in isolated areas, according to municipal officials. This often reduces the impact of the cleaning drives as the rivers get polluted again.
The municipal corporation had earlier proposed installing CCTV cameras at key bridges and sensitive locations to stop illegal dumping, but the plan has not yet been fully implemented.
Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal said that the initiative aims to make the city cleaner, healthier and environmentally sustainable. He also directed the officials to ensure strict monitoring in all wards during the campaign.
The municipal teams will continue the drive across different parts of the city for the next 100 days, focusing on cleaning rivers, drains and water outlets. The mayor also appealed to residents not to dump waste in rivers or public places and to support the cleanliness campaign.
