Ever since the creation of Uttarakhand State in 2000 when Dehradun was made the provisional capital city, the environment of the city has changed drastically.
Those who have been living in Dehradun for many decades lament the changes that have taken place in the city due to a combination of increased population pressure on the resources and unplanned developments that have led to a reduction in the greenery and an increase in crowding and cemented structures.
Krishnakant Pande who has been living here for 49 years reminisces the time when the temperature in the valley used to be pleasant throughout the year. “Back in those days, we rarely used to switch on fans.
It is disappointing to witness that these days people have become so materialistic that the once famous Dehradun Basmati rice and litchi orchards have nearly vanished as people have undertaken construction in the green spaces and farmlands,” he says.
Another resident Manoj Vohra who has spent 52 years in the city says, “Most of our childhood memories seem to be fading day by day as the city is losing its original gems. The once famous tea estates have now become mostly barren land due to lack of water resources and proper maintenance.
Rispana and Bindal rivers are also in terrible state.” “A lot of tourist influx in the city, courtesy of nearby hill stations like Mussoorie and Dhanaulti can be considered a contributing factor in the deterioration of surrounding forests along with the environment and aesthetics of the city,” opines 84 year old Sant Pyari who has spent her whole life in the city. She further adds, “Ever since Uttarakhand was formed, the government has been causing havoc in the city in the name of development.”
Even the air in the city once famous for its greenery and clean environment has deteriorated in quality with increasing number of vehicles and decreasing greenery causing a rise in the level of pollution. Public transport vehicles like the Vikrams and city buses run on outdated and less efficient engines which also contribute to the air pollution.
Another local resident Karuna Malhotra says, “The water isn’t as clean as it used to be. The stark example of this can be seen in the condition of streams and rivers in the city.”
It is almost impossible for those who have not lived for long in Dehradun to imagine how the city was before unplanned development destroyed the environment and character of this place.