Dehradun: Taking strong exception to the proposed elevated road projects on Rispana and Bindaal rivers, Dehradun based students’ activist group, Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD) voiced strong opposition to the proposed elevated road project on Rispana and Bindaal rivers. Speaking to media persons, MAD members pointed out on Sunday that any such project on these rivers before actual rejuvenation and revival of these drying water bodies would be tantamount to yet another unplanned and hap hazard construction activity by the state government at the cost of the delicate ecological balance of the eco-sensitive Doon Valley.
Pointing out that a lot has been talked about Rispana rejuvenation, MAD members highlighted that not an inch has changed on the ground. MAD members observed that their regular inspections in the areas where several thousand trees were supposed to be planted last year show that the survival rate is not even five percent. Moreover, garbage dumping into Rispana has only increased. The sewer line of Dehradun still lies beneath Rispana river and encroachments have seen a rise in both Rispana and Bindaal rivers.
Not much has been planned to clean the rivers and the state government has reduced its participation and the Rispana to Rishiparna movement as an annual photo opportunity moment in the month of July, on account of Harela festival. Showcasing how MAD has always supported any positive endeavours to rejuvenate Rispana, the students activist group, underlined the need towards genuine Rispana rejuvenation. MAD members have regularly highlighted that the 2014 report of the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee paves the way for a roadmap that has to be pursued for Rispana rejuvenation.
There is an urgent need to revive the springs that give Rispana its perineal water and it is important to clean the catchment area of any human habitation not only for the sake of the river but also for the sake of the lives of people living on these rivers, since they are most prone to the health epidemics such as Dengue outbreaks, etc. MAD members stressed on the declaration of the Government of India, of Rispana as a part of the ganga river basin and argued that the Rispana river should also be made a part of the nationwide effort to clean river ganga as Dehradun rivers together are the sole major factor responsible for bringing down the water quality of river ganga from A to B since at Rishikesh, before the Dehradun rivers meet the Ganga the water quality is ‘A’ and by the time it reaches Haridwar.
Dehradun waters have also been mixed with Ganga the water quality falls to ‘B’. MAD has decided to embark upon a massive city wide movement to again mobilize Doonites for the cause of genuine rejuvenation of its rivers. MAD has warned that any infrastructure push such as the failed riverfront development project or the new elevated road project would be met with strong opposition by the youth of Dehradun.
