Thursday, 09 January 2025 | PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
Garbage disposal has long been a major issue in Dehradun but this problem is now extending to the city’s forest areas as well. From plastic waste to organic matter and even dead animals, various forms of waste are being dumped in the forests, particularly near roads and urban areas. Despite consistent statements by authorities about maintaining a clean and green city, the forests seem to be neglected and the issue of illegal dumping continues to escalate. Many residents report seeing people dump everything from household to commercial waste in the forest areas. While some attempt to dispose of garbage discreetly in remote sections, many simply abandon it near the road, likely because they believe there are no consequences.
A Karnpur resident Upasana Rawat shared her observations of people discarding items such as alcohol bottles and plastic waste while traveling to Mussoorie. She also noted significant amounts of bulk garbage being dumped in the Jakhan area. “These are often locals and when you try to confront them, they threaten you. The authorities need to take strict action. Just because it is not as visible as garbage on the main roads does not mean it should be ignored.” A stretch of forest near the Ladpur area on Raipur Road is also heavily polluted with waste, particularly single-use plastics. The garbage here includes plastic cutlery, bottles, polythene, leftover food and other trash, often discarded by nearby eateries.
Senior citizen Vinod Kala, who takes regular morning walks in the area, said he has witnessed people arriving in loading vehicles to dump large amounts of trash, including sacks of plastic, old quilts and plastic furniture. “They usually do this early in the morning or late at night. I notice new types of trash almost every third day. People have become so unabashed that they no longer fear anyone. Authorities must prevent our forests from becoming dumping grounds,” he said.
Environmental activist and Dehradun-based lawyer Reenu Paul also opined that such large-scale dumping is often carried out by commercial establishments. She called for the authorities to monitor these activities closely and take appropriate action. “If this issue continues to be ignored, our forests will be overwhelmed by piles of unprocessed garbage, worsening an already dire situation in Dehradun,” she said. Many claimed that without immediate and stringent action, Dehradun’s forests, once a symbol of natural beauty, risk becoming synonymous with waste and neglect. This environmental crisis demands urgent attention from both authorities and the public.
When this correspondent asked the Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal about this concern, he assured that he will discuss the matter with the authorities concerned. “I will look into this issue and engage with the respective authorities responsible for sanitation and garbage collection in the area. We will need to determine whether the municipal body or forest department is responsible for these forest areas and why this situation persists,” Bansal said. The district administration is committed to environmental protection and cleanliness and those in charge will be held accountable. Effective measures will be taken to address and resolve this growing problem, he added.
