DEHRADUN: As Dehradun gears up for municipal elections, the race for the mayor’s seat has become a focal point of attention.

Candidates from the BJP, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), and several independents have outlined their visions for the city, with promises that aim to address critical urban issues.

At a "Mayor Dialogue" event organized by the Dehradun Citizens Forum at the Uttaranchal Press Club, candidates discussed their plans under the theme “Green Agenda.”

The event, a first of its kind, provided citizens with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their goals for Dehradun’s future.

The discussion highlighted pressing issues such as pollution, traffic congestion, river rejuvenation, and urban greenery.

Each candidate was given 12 minutes to present their manifesto, with their speaking order decided through a lottery system.

Congress Candidate: Virendra Pokhriyal

Pokhriyal emphasized environmental restoration, promising to plant 1 million trees in the next five years.

His approach to tackle polythene pollution involves banning it at the production level and ensuring on-ground implementation in all city wards.

“Dehradun needs a green revival, and it starts with fixing the basics,” he said.

AAP Candidate: Ravindra Anand Singh

Singh focused on technological and infrastructural solutions, proposing the installation of 5 lakh CCTV cameras across the city for enhanced security.

Parking woes in Dehradun were also addressed, with plans to create facilities for 10,000 vehicles. Singh also pledged to work for the welfare of the transgender community, promising measures to integrate them into mainstream society.

UKD Candidate: Captain Birendra Singh Bist

Bist highlighted the need for sustainable urban management, proposing the formation of an eco-task force to monitor environmental violations.

He also plans to eliminate polythene use within city limits and draw inspiration from Indore’s successful waste management model.

Additionally, Bist advocated for stronger land laws to protect Dehradun’s identity and resources.

BJP Candidate: Saurabh Thapliyal

Thapliyal reiterated his party’s commitment to creating community halls, cycle tracks, and walking paths. While emphasizing urban development, he claimed the BJP’s vision includes balancing growth with sustainability.

“Our goal is to build a city where modern infrastructure meets environmental responsibility,” he said.

Citizen Concerns

Citizens at the event voiced several pressing concerns, including:

Slum Rehabilitation: Residents demanded clarity on plans for slum areas and their integration into urban planning.

Drug Menace: The growing issue of drug abuse, especially among youth, was highlighted as a critical social challenge.

River Rejuvenation: The deteriorating water quality of rivers like the Rispana and Bindal, now reduced to drains, was a common grievance.

National Green Tribunal (NGT): Participants sought updates on upcoming NGT hearings related to environmental violations in the city.

Organizers and Participants

The event, facilitated by Dehradun Citizens Forum members like Jagmohan Mehdiratta and Bharti Jain, was well-attended by prominent social activists, environmentalists, and citizens.

Anoop Nautiyal and Florence Pandhi presented the Forum’s Green Agenda, while Retu Chatterjee and Anish Lall shared the dialogue framework.

Independent candidate Vijay Bhattrai also shared his views during the event.

The dialogue saw participation from activists like Ravi Chopra, Nirmala Bist, and Jaydeep Saklani, along with members of the public.

Will Promises Translate into Action?

While the candidates’ manifestos touched on critical issues, residents remain skeptical about their implementation.

Dehradun has long faced challenges such as unplanned urbanization, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation.

Citizens hope this election will bring meaningful action rather than just lofty promises.

As the electoral battle heats up, all eyes are on who will take charge of Dehradun’s future—and whether they will truly deliver on their commitments.