Rispana River Rejuvenation Gains Fresh Momentum; Dehradun DM Constitutes Task Force, Seeks Comprehensive Action Plan Within Seven Days

“Reviving the Rispana River is not merely a government initiative but a broad environmental mission driven by public participation,” says DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan

Dehradun:

Giving a major push to the rejuvenation, conservation, and beautification of the Rispana River, Dehradun District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan chaired a high-level review meeting at Rishiparna Auditorium in the Collectorate on Saturday. During the meeting, the District Magistrate assigned clear responsibilities to various departments and directed them to submit a comprehensive action plan within seven days.

Addressing the officials, Dr. Chauhan said that the rejuvenation of the Rispana River is not merely a government project but a large-scale environmental mission that requires active public participation to preserve the region’s natural heritage for future generations. He emphasized that the campaign would be implemented in mission mode through inter-departmental coordination, modern technology, and community involvement.

The District Magistrate directed the Municipal Corporation to identify all drains and garbage dumping points along the approximately 15-kilometre stretch of the Rispana River. He instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive drone survey and stretch-wise field survey to assess the volume of waste, evaluate the existing sanitation status, and prepare a detailed proposal outlining the required interventions. The complete report is to be submitted within seven days.

The Irrigation Department was instructed to prepare a detailed project for the construction of riverfront ghats, beautification works, and the development of public spaces along the riverbanks. The Public Works Department (PWD) was directed to submit a technical plan for pillars and other structures proposed under the elevated road project to ensure that infrastructure development remains compatible with river conservation objectives.

To ensure effective implementation of the river rejuvenation programme, the District Magistrate directed the Chief Development Officer to constitute a dedicated multi-departmental task force. The task force will coordinate among departments, monitor progress regularly, and ensure timely execution of the project.

Dr. Chauhan observed that the problem of waste being dumped into the river cannot be resolved solely through administrative measures. He stressed the need for behavioural change among citizens and directed officials to launch an extensive public awareness campaign involving local residents, educational institutions, voluntary organisations, social groups, and other stakeholders.

The Mussoorie Municipal Council was instructed to ensure regular cleanliness and proper waste management in the sections of the Rispana River falling within the Mussoorie region. Officials were directed to ensure that no solid or liquid waste enters the river from these areas.

The Forest Department has been directed to prepare a comprehensive plan for large-scale plantation and the development of green belts along the riverbanks to strengthen ecological restoration and environmental conservation.

Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies Finalised

The District Magistrate directed that the river rejuvenation programme be implemented through both short-term and long-term strategies.

Under the short-term plan, priority will be given to:

• Immediate removal of waste accumulated in and around the river.
• Elimination of garbage dumping points.
• Strict prevention of waste disposal into the river.
• Intensive public awareness and community outreach campaigns.

The long-term strategy will focus on:

• Construction of ghats and riverfront development.
• Beautification of riverbanks.
• Green belt development and ecological restoration.
• Creation of sustainable infrastructure.
• Preparation and phased implementation of a comprehensive, long-term river conservation plan.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Chauhan directed all departments to work in close coordination and adhere to prescribed timelines. He stated that the rejuvenation of the Rispana River represents a significant step towards preserving Dehradun’s environmental heritage and will be pursued in mission mode with sustained commitment.

The meeting was attended by Chief Development Officer Abhinav Shah, Divisional Forest Officer Neeraj Sharma, City Magistrate Rakesh Tiwari, and senior officials from the Municipal Corporation, Irrigation Department, Public Works Department, Forest Department, Mussoorie Municipal Council, and other concerned departments.