MCD to install CCTV in every corner of Doon to identify garbage dumpers: Mayor
Wednesday, 12 February 2025 | PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
Every nook and corner of Dehradun will be covered with CCTV cameras to take action against those responsible for rampant garbage dumping in the city. The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) will set up a system to identify individuals dumping garbage through CCTV footage and will take appropriate action. Newly elected Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal stated this to The Pioneer after assuming office on Tuesday.
He said that the officials concerned will soon inspect the city to determine suitable locations for installing cameras to monitor garbage dumping and security. “We will ensure that no area is left unchecked. CCTV cameras will help us identify those violating cleanliness norms and strict action will be taken against them,” he said. In addition to cameras, he said that MCD will install streetlights on every street to improve visibility at night. Thapliyal also talked about a plan to bring municipal services closer to residents. “MCD officials will visit every ward to provide essential services like birth and death certificates and property mutation. This will reduce the need for people to frequently visit MCD offices and make these processes more accessible,” he said.
He added that a feedback box will be carried during these visits to allow locals to submit their suggestions. He also addressed other civic issues, including traffic congestion, parking shortages and drainage problems. “We have identified 73 drains that need improvement before the monsoon to prevent waterlogging and related risks,” he said. He further stated that encroachments on government land in Dehradun will be removed and repurposed for public use. “I have asked for a list of all MCD-owned properties. Once verified, we will remove encroachments from the lands accordingly and will develop parks, open gyms and plant saplings that contribute to air purification. I have also sought expert recommendations on suitable plant species,” he added.
Thapliyal said that establishing pink toilets for women is also on his priority list as many complained about this issue during his election campaign. “Ensuring proper sanitation facilities for women is crucial in all possible public spaces. We will set up pink toilets in different areas of the city,” he said. He further stated that residential welfare societies will also be involved in board meetings to provide input on civic issues. On the issue of single-use plastic violations in Dehradun, he said, “We will hold a meeting with all departments concerned, including the police, to ensure strict enforcement of the plastic ban.” He added that the MCD is working to promote alternatives like jute bags. “I have scheduled meetings with self-help groups that produce jute bags. We will explore ways to encourage their use across the city while ensuring a strict ban on plastic. Besides this, we are in talks with rag pickers to streamline the segregation of plastic waste before it reaches the dumping plant,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the frequent changes in garbage collection agencies, which have disrupted waste management in the city, he said, “The newly appointed agency has been directed to follow proper collection and disposal procedures to maintain cleanliness. MCD will avoid unnecessary changes in future.” He also spoke about the longstanding issue of waste accumulation at the solid waste management and recycling plant in Sheeshambada. “I will soon conduct an inspection of the plant and speak with local residents and officials before making a decision. If needed, we will study how cities like Indore and Kurukshetra have tackled similar issues and adopt effective strategies,” he said.
The mayor stated that he will also work on achieving 100 per cent door to door garbage collection in the city. “We will improve conditions at the ground level to ensure efficient waste management and 100 per cent door to door service,” he said. He also talked about Dehradun’s ranking in cleanliness surveys. “We are committed to improving Dehradun’s position. Our goal is to bring it into the top 50 cleanest cities, compared to its previous ranking of 68. Cleanliness requires public participation and we will work to engage residents in maintaining the city,” he said.
Thapliyal assumes charge as Dehradun Mayor
DEHRADUN : The newly elected Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal assumed charge on Tuesday. A long queue of his supporters and acquaintances holding plants and flower bouquets was observed outside his office since morning. He met each person who came to congratulate him on his victory in the civic body elections. Thapliyal won the election by over one lakh votes. He is the fifth mayor of Dehradun and the fourth consecutive mayor from the Bharatiya Janata Party. On his first day in office, several people also approached him with their concerns besides his supporters. He also attended a workshop for rag pickers at the Town Hall. He also held meetings with senior MCD officials, including municipal commissioner Namami Bansal. Speaking to the media, Thapliyal said that he believes in maximum public participation in civic works of the corporation. He stated that he will work to increase involvement of locals at all levels and ensure that corporation officials, including himself, remain accessible to the public for addressing grievances.
