Dehradun: Newly appointed district magistrate Ashish Chauhan has stated that Dehradun requires permanent, long-term solutions to address traffic congestion, waste management, and crime, rather than temporary fixes for a city experiencing rapid urban expansion and increasing civic demands.
Infrastructure Strain Post-Expressway
In an exclusive conversation with TOI on Thursday, Chauhan, who assumed charge last week, highlighted that the city's infrastructure is under significant strain, particularly after the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway. He remarked, “We need permanent solutions for the traffic menace. It is beyond our carrying capacity. Traffic, waste, and law and order are the three major components increasing in volume. Cosmetic measures will not provide much relief. We have to plan our projects in a manner that is sustainable for the next few decades, rather than just fixing the immediate problem.”
Rapid Urban Expansion Challenges
Dehradun has experienced swift urban expansion over the past decade due to migration, commercial growth, and tourist inflow, leading to higher traffic volumes, increased waste generation, and concerns over law and order, including substance abuse among youth.
Community Engagement and Expert Consultation
The DM mentioned that the administration has begun engaging with residents to understand their concerns before preparing long-term plans. Additionally, they are considering bringing in experts to develop sustainable solutions. “We are planning to take consultants on board, and their suggestions for these issues will be incorporated into long-term planning,” he said.
Drug Abuse Measures
Regarding drug abuse, Chauhan stated that large-scale drug testing has been ordered in colleges, and officials have been instructed to map areas linked to the drug trade using GIS technology. “We have ordered large-scale drug testing in colleges and GIS tagging of drug hotspots and peddlers with sensitivity and while maintaining privacy,” he said.
Cultural Preservation Amid Growth
Chauhan also highlighted the impact of migration on the city and stressed the need to preserve local traditions. “There is a large influx of people which may influence our own culture. Dehradun is blessed with natural beauty; we are the gateway to the hills. There has to be a balance of what we learn from the outside after interaction and what we retain,” he said, adding that development and cultural preservation must go hand in hand as the city grows.
Field Inspections and Accountability
Since taking charge, Chauhan has reviewed ongoing projects and carried out field inspections. Civic bodies have been directed to complete all road cutting and digging work by Sunday without inconveniencing the public. On Thursday, during an inspection from Balliwala Flyover on GMS Road to Saharanpur Chowk via Kanwali Road, he reprimanded officials for slow progress and ordered the withholding of the UPCL superintending engineer's salary after construction material and debris were found scattered on the road, causing inconvenience to commuters. Chauhan stated that negligence in works related to public amenities would not be tolerated and such projects would be monitored regularly.
