Dehradun Citizens Forum Pushes Political Parties to Go Green in Upcoming Municipal Polls....
Dehradun: The Dehradun Citizens Forum (DCF) has thrown down the gauntlet for political parties ahead of the municipal elections, demanding they include a comprehensive Green Agenda in their manifestos.
At a press meet on Monday, the civic group outlined an 18-point agenda aimed at reshaping urban governance and addressing climate change, urging the drafting of an Uttarakhand Urban Vision Document and the enactment of a dedicated municipal law for the state.
Speaking at the Press Club, DCF member Jagmohan Mehdiratta said it’s time to move beyond the usual promises of roads and drains.
"We need a bold and clear roadmap for sustainable urban development," he asserted.
To this end, DCF announced plans to host a "Mayor Dialogue" soon, inviting all mayoral candidates to discuss their commitments to the Green Agenda.
Anoop Nautiyal, another DCF member, highlighted the key points of the agenda, emphasizing the need for city-specific manifestos alongside a state-wide Green Manifesto.
He called for the inclusion of all 18 subjects listed under the 12th Schedule of the Constitution to empower municipal bodies.
Anoop Badola added that the Green Agenda would be shared not just with political parties but also with social and trade organizations, bar associations, and activist groups to build a broader consensus.
Bharti Jain revealed that the next step would be drafting a specific charter of demands for Dehradun’s mayoral candidates.
The Green Agenda is ambitious, calling for the formulation of a Uttarakhand Urban Vision 2025 and regular training for elected representatives.
It also stresses resolving the capital city issue, developing human resources for urban governance, forming ward committees, and involving citizens in urban planning.
Top priorities include tackling waste management, preparing a robust climate action plan, and improving traffic, parking, and public transport systems.
The agenda also highlights the need to protect Uttarakhand’s rivers, forests, and unique geography, which are under constant threat from unplanned development.
Another critical demand is the drafting of a municipal law tailored to Uttarakhand's specific needs.
Currently, local bodies operate under outdated laws inherited from Uttar Pradesh, which fail to address the state's distinct challenges.
The DCF team, including Florence Pandhi, Anish Lal, Sudhir Vadhera, and others, pledged to keep the pressure on political parties until they take the Green Agenda seriously. “The goal is not just promises but action,” said Ashish Garg.
Will they rise to the challenge or stick to their old playbook?
DCF is determined to ensure the voice of the people and the planet is heard loud and clear.
