The most vocal demand of Doonites in the context of the coming municipal elections is that the city’s ‘green’ status be restored. Various citizens’ groups are offering suggestions in this regard in the hope of influencing future corporators and the mayor to place this as the highest priority while planning the city’s future. It must be noted, however, that while regulations can be made regarding creation of ‘green spaces’, the common citizens also have a major responsibility in this regard.
How is the carrying capacity of the city to be calculated in terms of human population? One parameter would be consumption of water and its availability. Much of Dehradun’s water is extracted from the ground and despite the still healthy rainfall through the year, the levels are falling. The poor health of the Rispana and Bindal Rivers, as well as the disappearance of the canals and ponds is responsible for this, as is the inability of greater stretches of land to absorb water because of concretisation. It may be noted that even as the voices for a green Doon are coming from the educated and well-to-do, it is mostly that section of society whose occupation of built-up spaces is highest. Greening is not having gardens that are watered in the morning and evening to keep the lawns and flower beds in good health. Those who drive to ‘save the environment’ meetings in massive SUVs, also wash their vehicles lavishly every day with water supplied for drinking. It is necessary for them to undertake an audit of how much higher than the average is their utilisation of natural resources.
Also, there is much politics about the ‘occupation’ of riverbeds by slumdwellers. It is posited by some as though this section of the population is an unnecessary addition to the city’s population. The truth is that it would be impossible to function without the services they provide. At the same time, as compared to the resources required to house the wealthy, it would take a pretty reasonable amount of money to construct affordable housing for this section of society. All it requires is political will. Just the amount of land released would be more than fair compensation.
It is also wishful thinking that Dehradun should not remain the capital of the state. There are too many reasons why there is no alternative. However, there are a number of state government institutions that can be shifted elsewhere – not too far but far enough. This would ease the burden somewhat and release precious space. It can all happen if those so eager for change are the first to make the necessary sacrifice.
