Sunday, 24 December 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The members of Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD), experts and concerned citizens have said that the ongoing construction of a cycle track on Rajpur Road in the city should be reconsidered. Addressing the media, CFGD head Himanshu Arora said that this construction should be stopped as it is being carried out in a manner which will damage trees in the area and lead to other problems. Arora expressed concern regarding the detrimental effects that the beautification and Smart City project works have had on the city.
Despite the efforts to beautify the city, it does not change the fact that Doon is suffering from environmental issues such as rising temperatures. The decorative paintings on the city walls are not commendable as they are merely a temporary display. Arora further said that the new cycle track project initiated by the authorities will contribute to an increase in rainwater runoff, leading to flooding and waterlogging in the city. It is imperative that these projects, along with other beautification efforts undertaken by the authorities are halted as they are exerting an adverse impact on Dehradun, he said.
He further added that the cutting of trees to beautify and expand the roads has had a negative impact on the environment and natural beauty of the city. It has also been observed that the incidence of asthma and respiratory diseases has increased as a result of the ongoing work related to the Smart City project. “So, it is imperative that we put a halt to such activities in the city.
CFGD intends to engage the citizens in a discussion and seek their input on this matter. In addition, as a symbolic gesture, we plan to distribute ‘Buddhi Ki Topi’ to the various departments and officials involved, hoping that they will exercise common sense and practicality while carrying out tasks to improve the condition of Doon, he added.
Founder of Social Development for Communities (SDC) foundation, Anoop Nautiyal, anthropologist and activist Lokesh Ohri and others were also present on the occasion.
