Wednesday, 10 April 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The ambitious Smart City project which was expected to radically improve the ambiance and civic conditions in Dehradun has continued to cause inconvenience to the citizens with the projected improvement mostly remaining limited to official documents. The head of the Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD) Himanshu Arora stressed that with the major impact of the project being the reduction of greenery in the city, more trees must be planted in the provisional State capital to address the increasing pollution resulting from the Smart City project works. The ineffective execution of the project leading to issues such as traffic congestion, pollution and resulting allergies have now become a significant concern for the residents. He said that the improper execution of the Smart City project has worsened the overall situation in the city.
Local residents have expressed their concern regarding the deteriorating situation in the city. Commenting on this, local resident Sushma Jaggi said that the Smart City project has exacerbated the problematic conditions in Dehradun. The uncoordinated construction work has led to traffic congestion and various other issues for the locals. Jaggi emphasised that she had never experienced asthma before, but the Smart City project has turned her into an asthma patient. Further, she said that while she is fine when outside the city, upon entering Dehradun, she frequently experiences asthma attacks due to dust and pollution.
Another local resident Raghuveer Rawat expressed his concern regarding the detrimental impact of the ineffective execution of the Smart City project on the smooth flow of traffic in Dehradun. The increased traffic congestion in the city has led to various adverse consequences. He emphasised the need for the government to revise certain aspects of the project to prioritise the city’s development over beautification.
Arora told this correspondent that the Smart City project has proven to be ineffective. The insufficient implementation of the project has led to issues such as traffic congestion, pollution and a notable rise in the city’s temperature, with an average rise of 14 degrees Celsius compared to past years. This temperature rise has resulted in various health problems for the local residents. Further, he emphasised that as part of the Smart City initiative, the authorities have reduced the city’s green spaces by replacing grass with tiles. He said that in order to address the escalating pollution levels in the city, the authorities must reconsider and enhance the project by increasing the number of trees planted.
