PNS | DEHRADUN
Senior citizens in Dehradun turned out to cast their votes in the urban local body elections on Thursday but many expressed apprehension about whether the newly elected representatives will bring any meaningful change. While they fulfilled their civic duty, they voiced frustration over the lack of basic amenities such as proper sanitation, garbage collection and garbage-free surroundings, which have been neglected for years, according to them. Retired army officer Kishan Singh Jeena (72), who traditionally supported either the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Congress, said he decided to vote for an independent candidate this time. “For years, BJP and Congress-backed candidates have failed to make any improvements in my area. I have not seen the councillor of my ward in the past five years, they only show up during elections. This time, I voted for an independent candidate, hoping that the right person wins,” he said. Similarly, Ladpur Road resident Basanti Prajapati (62) expressed her dissatisfaction with the previous leadership, particularly the councillor. “I did not know much about the candidates, so I discussed them with my children. They recommended a few names and I voted based on their suggestions. All I want is for my area to be garbage-free, including better management of cow dung disposal,” she said. A resident of Sahastradhara Road, Surya Verma (78) said that his primary concern is illegal garbage dumping by commercial establishments. However, he remains doubtful about whether the new mayor or councillors will take effective action. “I have lost faith in elected representatives. They rarely deliver on their promises. Still, voting is the least we can do if we hope for change,” he said. Another senior citizen, Rajat Payal, highlighted the need for special parks or safe spaces for older people, as many feel unsafe walking on roads during the mornings and evenings in Dehradun. However, he opined that improving the city’s sanitation should be the municipal corporation’s immediate priority. “The sanitation system is in a terrible state in Dehradun and they must address this first,” he added. Despite their concerns, senior citizens expressed a sense of responsibility in voting, hoping for a better future while remaining wary of the promises made by elected representatives.
