Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 30 May: District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan on Friday evening chaired a meeting of the District Ganga Conservation Committee and reviewed the proposed works for the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 at the Collectorate. During the meeting, he conducted a detailed review of Ganga conservation, sewerage, waste management and sanitation-related works being carried out across the district and issued necessary directions. Emphasising accountability and effective implementation, the DM instructed officials that positive outcomes should be visible on the ground and not remain confined to presentations alone.
During the review, the DM directed the Executive Engineer of Jal Sansthan and the Project Management, Construction and Maintenance Unit (Ganga) to ensure that all Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) operating in the district function strictly in accordance with the standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Expressing displeasure over the delay in the land selection process for the proposed STP at Tapkeshwar Temple in the Garhi Cantonment area, he directed the departments concerned and officials to convene a separate meeting and complete the land identification process at the earliest.
Reviewing the under-construction STPs, Sewage Pumping Stations (SPSs) and sewer line projects in the Rishikesh region, the DM instructed that all works be completed within the stipulated timelines. He also directed the Municipal Corporation of Rishikesh to strengthen its solid waste management system by effectively implementing the Solid Waste Management Pilot Project being jointly operated by GIZ and the Municipal Corporation in the Awas Vikas Ward and developing it as a model ward.
The District Magistrate sought information regarding dairy waste management in urban areas. On finding that the official concerned of the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun was absent from the meeting, he expressed strong displeasure and directed that a show-cause notice be issued against the official concerned.
Chauhan also expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the tapping of polluted drains flowing into the Bindal River and instructed officials of the Peyjal Nigam to ensure that all drain-tapping works are completed within the prescribed timeframe. He further directed that modern technologies be utilised to ensure regular and effective cleaning of drains.
Directing officials to undertake special cleanliness drives along the banks of the Ganga and other rivers, the DM said potential pollution hotspots should be identified and a target-oriented action plan prepared to ensure regular sanitation and maintenance.
During the review of the 0.70 MLD Camel Back STP project in Mussoorie, the DM expressed serious concern that construction had not commenced despite budget approval being granted in 2022. He warned the concerned official of Peyjal Nigam, Mussoorie, to improve the functioning and execution of the project.
At the same time, Chauhan also expressed dissatisfaction over the continued delay in land identification and mutation proceedings for the proposed 0.70 MLD STP project in the Arcadia Zone, despite approval having been granted in 2022. He directed the Joint Magistrate, Mussoorie, to investigate the matter and submit a detailed report within seven days.
The DM reminded the municipal corporations and Urban Local Bodies that sanitation remains among the highest priorities of the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary. He directed civic bodies to further strengthen waste collection systems and identify dumping zones where surveillance through CCTV cameras and other technological means should be ensured. He laid particular emphasis on making the waste management system more robust, efficient and result-oriented. Expressing surprise that Nagar Panchayat Selaqui still does not have a sludge vehicle, he directed the officials to arrange one immediately from available resources.
During the review of floodplain zoning and demarcation works, the officials informed the meeting that flood zone demarcation of the Ganga up to Haridwar and of the Rispana River had been completed. The demarcation work for the Asan River has also been completed, while surveys of the Suswa, Song, Jakhan/Ranipokhri, Chandrabhaga and Yamuna rivers have already been conducted. The District Magistrate directed that all remaining flood zone demarcation works be completed in a time-bound manner.
Chauhan further instructed that all the construction works proposed for the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 be executed strictly in accordance with the approvals of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Among those present at the meeting included Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, Divisional Forest Officer Neeraj Sharma, Municipal Commissioner of Rishikesh Municipal Corporation Gopal Ram Binwal, committee member Pankaj Gupta, environmentalist Vinod Juglan and officials from various departments.
