Doon needs long-term solutions, not cosmetic fixes, says new DM

Dehradun: Newly appointed district magistrate Ashish Chauhan said Dehradun needed permanent, long-term solutions to tackle traffic congestion, waste management and crime, rather than short-term fixes for a city facing rapid urban expansion and rising civic demands.

In an exclusive conversation with TOI on Thursday, Chauhan, who took charge last week, said the city’s infrastructure was under strain, especially after the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway. “We need permanent solutions for traffic menace. It is beyond our carrying capacity. Traffic, waste, and law and order are the three major components in increasing volume. Cosmetic measures won’t 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,” he said.

Dehradun has seen rapid 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 and substance abuse among youth.

The DM said the administration had begun engaging with residents to understand their concerns before preparing long-term plans and was considering bringing in experts to develop sustainable solutions. “We’re planning to take consultants on board and their suggestions for these issues will be incorporated in long-term planning,” he said.

On drug abuse, Chauhan said large-scale drug testing had been ordered in colleges and officials had 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.

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.

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 pulled up officials for slow progress and ordered the withholding of UPCL superintending engineer’s salary after construction material and debris were found scattered on the road, causing inconvenience to commuters. Chauhan said negligence in works related to public amenities would not be tolerated and such projects would be monitored regularly.