By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 15 Jan: The Dehradun Citizens Forum, which is actively addressing various urban, social, and environmental issues as well as advocating for a Green Agenda in the upcoming Uttarakhand Urban Local Body Elections and Dehradun Municipal Corporation elections, is organising a ‘Mayor Dialogue’ on 18 January. During this programme, the mayoral candidates for the city of Dehradun will present their views on the city’s green agenda. The forum aims to seek commitments from the candidates regarding their plans to implement the green agenda for Dehradun’s citizens, should they win the election.
Anoop Nautiyal, a member of Dehradun Citizens Forum, provided details of the event and explained that, typically, citizens’ participation in elections is limited to voting. However, this time, the citizens of Dehradun are actively coming together in a unified manner to raise their demands and expectations in the electoral context. He also mentioned that on 6 January the Dehradun Citizens Forum released a state-level Green Agenda for all political parties.
Anoop Nautiyal further stated that the Green Agenda has been presented to political parties, social organisations, eminent individuals, and trade bodies. In addition, a separate Green Agenda for the mayoral candidates of Dehradun has been prepared and handed over to the candidates of major political parties.
Bharti Jain, a member of Dehradun Citizens Forum, explained that the Green Agenda for mayoral candidates includes the needs and expectations of the city’s residents. The agenda covers issues such as waste collection and segregation, imposing fines on those who burn waste, establishing scientifically managed waste dumping zones, and ensuring proper drainage systems.
Bharti Jain further elaborated that the agenda also covers important demands such as the removal of encroachments from drains and rivulets, the identification and regulation of pollution sources, the construction of footpaths and cycling tracks along roads and intersections, the development of new parks, the holding of quarterly meetings with citizens, the formation of ward committees, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, and the enforcement of the provisions of the 74th Constitutional Amendment. She added that political party candidates have appreciated the Green Agenda and have agreed to participate in the upcoming ‘Mayor Dialogue.’
Jagmohan Mehdiratta, a member of Dehradun Citizens Forum, stated that the ‘Mayor Dialogue’ will be held in a dignified manner on 18 January at 12 p.m. at the Press Club, Parade Ground. Each candidate will be given 12 minutes to present their vision for Dehradun. It is emphasised that candidates will focus solely on presenting their vision for the city.
Jagmohan Mehdiratta appealed to the candidates’ supporters to refrain from any disruptive behaviour. He also stressed that no candidate is allowed to send a representative in their place. If a candidate is unable to attend, they will be considered absent. He added that the event will be attended by Dehradun Citizens Forum members, representatives from various active social organisations in Dehradun, trade associations, and members of the print, electronic, and social media.
