MDDA launches plantation drive to restore Doon’s green cover and cultural identity

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) has launched a city-wide initiative aimed at restoring Dehradun’s natural greenery and traditional character. The move is part of broader efforts to promote long-term environmental responsibility and community participation, the MDDA vice chairman Banshidhar Tiwari said.

He stated that as part of the initiative, MDDA is constructing new public parks across the city and planting native species of shade-giving, fruit-bearing and medicinal trees. Plantations have also been carried out along roads such as Sahastradhara Road, Jolly Grant Main Road, Shimla Bypass Road and Haridwar Bypass Road. These efforts are focused on improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and controlling temperature.

According to Tiwari, the campaign emphasises community involvement and MDDA is encouraging educational institutions, social organisations, local bodies and residents to participate. He said that so far, MDDA have distributed thousands of saplings to citizens and institutions, with a goal to plant and distribute around 60,000 to 70,000 plants this year.

Tiwari stated that the initiative is being shaped into a public movement through active participation across age groups and communities. He appealed to all citizens to contribute by planting at least one tree, which he said carries a long-term message of responsibility toward nature and heritage.