PNS | DEHRADUN
The Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) and other social organisations have emphasised that municipal corporations in Uttarakhand should have planning rights.
Addressing the media ahead of the ULB polls here on Friday, Brij Mohan Sharma of SPECS stated that two acts were established many years ago for the Panchayat and municipal corporations. Though 18 responsibilities were designated to municipal corporations, only 14 of these have been assigned. As a result, municipal corporations lack the necessary planning rights, leading to deficiencies in sustainable development and other essential services across the State. He stressed that to foster development, the government must grant planning rights to the corporations. With the ULB elections approaching, SPECS and other social organisations aim to present demands that they believe the elected candidates should address.
Sharma said that they have been actively working on critical issues like food adulteration, water quality, rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency, solar electricity, air pollution, river pollution, accessible footpaths for seniors and children, the construction of cycling lanes and promoting urban afforestation. Considering the municipal elections, they appeal to all political parties to recognise the gravity of these issues and incorporate them into their election agendas. Sharma commented on the demands made to the political parties, stating that they should develop specific plans for each ward. He emphasised the need for strict action against food adulteration and called for improvements in water quality.
Sharma urged elected mayoral candidates to promote rainwater harvesting, invest in energy-efficient buildings and implement measures to tackle air pollution. He also suggested providing safe footpaths, developing dedicated cycling lanes to encourage environmentally friendly transportation and ensuring that road elevations are adjusted appropriately during construction. Sharma urged all political parties to take these issues seriously and work towards building a sustainable, healthy and inclusive future for the people of Uttarakhand.
