Garbage dumping continues along Doon rivers despite crackdown

DEHRADUN: Garbage continues to pile up along rivers and streams across the city, with dumping rampant at several stretches despite the district administration stepping up enforcement and directing civic bodies to identify illegal dumping sites and take action against offenders.A TOI spot check found plastic and household waste dumped along stretches of the Bindal and Rispana rivers and smaller streams. At Kanwali Road and Tilak Nagar, along the Bindal, residents alleged that waste from nearby shops is routinely dumped into the river.“Garbage collection vehicles come here, but many traders still dump waste into the river at night after closing their shops, either to avoid paying or because there is little fear of consequences,” said Vinay Jugral, a Tilak Nagar resident. He added that fencing along the river, similar to that at Bindal Tiraha, could help curb the practice.Similar conditions were found along the Rispana at Kandoli and towards Canal Road, where waste was scattered along the riverbanks. Large bundles of waste tied in polypropylene sacks were also found at several spots, indicating that waste collected from different locations was being brought there for dumping.The situation persists despite the district administration seeking tighter monitoring of river stretches. On Sept 5, district magistrate (DM) Ashish Chauhan directed urban local bodies to immediately identify unauthorised dumping sites, fix responsibility on agencies operating in these areas and register FIRs against people caught dumping waste into rivers. Officials were also asked to conduct regular inspections of dumping yards and strengthen surveillance at vulnerable locations.Officials were also asked by the DM to examine the feasibility of installing trash screens at drains and culverts to intercept waste before it enters rivers. A pilot project is being considered on the Rispana.DMC chief municipal health officer Anand Shukla said, “The corporation is working towards installing nets along vulnerable river stretches to restrict access and prevent dumping from both sides.”Stay updated with the latest Dehradun news. Download the TOI App.