Sewage dumping into Rispana shifts to early hours, authorities busy handling events

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Operators involved in the illegal dumping of untreated sewage into the Rispana river have now started dumping the waste into the river during the early hours after the issue was highlighted by The Pioneer. Dehradun district magistrate Ashish Chauhan had ordered a detailed inquiry into the illegal dumping of untreated sewage into the Rispana, directed officials to identify all sewage tankers operating in the district and to verify whether they are registered with the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD)

During a visit to the site between 4 AM and 5 AM on Saturday, The Pioneer found sewage tankers waiting to dump the waste into the river. At least three to four tankers were seen discharging untreated sewage through pumps connected to a pit leading directly into the river.  Earlier, sewage tankers were openly disposing of waste into the Rispana during broad daylight. However, following media attention and public scrutiny, the timing of the operation appears to have changed rather than the practice itself being stopped, despite the DM’s directions.

When contacted, Dehradun district administration officials said that they were occupied with government programmes. The issue was also brought to the notice of the MCD. The officials stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan and not the MCD. 

On being informed that the dumping is now taking place during the early morning hours, an official concerned said that they would conduct an inspection at the site during the morning and coordinate with the police and Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan authorities to verify the allegations.