The plan backed by Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli to develop Rispana and Bindal rivers in Dehradun based on the Sabarmati riverfront development project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, appears to have taken a backseat as no progress has been achieved in this project yet. However, the Mayor blames the State Government for the delay in execution of this project.
Chamoli mentioned that as per the plan a development project was made with the joint involvement of the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority and the Government. He further said that several points were mentioned in the plan which was supposed to get a final approval from the State Government, which is still awaited. It is pertinent to mention here that in 2010, Chamoli was part of a five member delegation which had gone on a two day tour of Ahmedabad in Gujarat to study the Sabarmati river development project. A plan for developing the Rispana and Bindal rivers here in the state capital following a similar plan was prepared.
The development project for the Rispana and Bindal rivers was supposed to be initiated four years back but is yet to be started. As per plan, pedestrian paths, parks and green areas, commercial use of reclaimed land and housing for the poor citizens of the town was supposed to be facilitated on both sides of the rivers along the 12 km stretch marked for development. However, as per the councillors at MCD, officials should first try to resolve the pending issue of regularisation of the slum areas.