Chief Minister Harish Rawat has been stressing on the need for public participation to achieve the desired level of civic sanitation. Observers also point out that though there may be shortcomings in the sanitation work undertaken by the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, the situation would be much better if the people exercise their civic sense.
When asked about his responsibility as a citizen towards keeping the city clean, Nehru Colony resident Saurabh Tripathi said, “I regularly dump my garbage only into the bins provided by the MCD. I try not to litter and pollute the environment.”
College student Aisha Bahuguna said, “I try to pick garbage dumped improperly in public space. I want our city to be clean not only for better health of the public but also for boosting its tourism potential”.
Though some citizens are aware of their civic responsibility not all bother to do their bit towards keeping the city clean. In most localities of the State capital, home owners have encroached on the roadside to construct ramps to their homes which in turn has either blocked existing storm water drainage or prevented the same from being constructed. This results in water logging during the rains apart from causing a deterioration in the level of civic sanitation.
Friends Enclave, Defence Colony Road resident Rajendra Singh Negi said, “Most home owners in my locality have built approach ramps to their homes by encroaching on the roadside either blocking the storm water drainage or leaving no scope for constructing it. This is causing sanitation problems especially during the rains. The authorities need to check on such encroachments,” he added.
Observers point out that at a time when civic sanitation is becoming the cause of political wrangling between the MCD and the State Government, the citizens need to take the initiative and do their bit in ensuring the desired level of civic sanitation. The MCD is presently undertaking a public awareness campaign as part of the Swachh Bharat mission with the Mayor Vinod Chamoli visiting various localities to interact with the public on various issues including civic sanitation. It remains to be seen whether the people themselves take the initiative to ensure that at least their surroundings remain clean.