Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 27 Jun: The revival of the Rispana river in Dehradun has gained fresh momentum as District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan has constituted a dedicated taskforce and has directed the departments concerned to submit a detailed action plan within seven days. Chairing a review meeting at Rishiparna auditorium in the Collectorate here on Saturday, Chauhan emphasised that the rejuvenation of the river is not merely a government campaign but a comprehensive environmental mission rooted in public participation.
The DM also directed the Municipal Corporation to identify all the drains and garbage points falling along the 15‑km. stretch into the river. He also ordered a drone survey and stretch‑wise mapping to assess waste accumulation, cleaning arrangements and required interventions, with a detailed proposal to be submitted within a week. The Irrigation Department was asked to prepare plans for construction of ghats, beautification and development of riverfront sites, while the Public Works Department was directed to present a technical plan for pillars and structures under the proposed elevated road project.
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) Abhinav Shah was tasked with forming an effective taskforce through inter‑departmental coordination. Stressing that dumping of waste into the river can only be resolved through behavioural change, the DM called for a wide public awareness campaign and active involvement of local citizens, voluntary organisations and institutions. The DM directed the Mussoorie Municipal Council to ensure regular cleaning of the river stretch within its jurisdiction and prevent any waste from entering the water. The Forest Department was asked to prepare a plan for extensive plantation and creation of green belts along the river to aid ecological restoration.
Chauhan stressed upon the need for both short‑term and long‑term strategies. Immediate measures include removal of accumulated waste, elimination of garbage points, strict prohibition on dumping and awareness drives. Long‑term plans will cover construction of ghats, beautification of riverbanks, green development, infrastructure creation and comprehensive conservation measures to be implemented in phases. He directed all departments to work in close coordination, stating that the revival of the Rispana river is a crucial step towards preserving Dehradun’s environmental heritage and will be pursued in mission mode.
Among those present at the meeting included CDO Abhinav Shah, Divisional Forest Officer Neeraj Sharma, City Magistrate Ashish Tiwari and officials from the Municipal Corporation, Irrigation Department, Public Works Department (PWD), Forest Department, Mussoorie Municipality and other related departments.
