Student activist group Making a Difference by Being the Difference (MAD), has alleged that illegal mining activities are continuing rampantly on various stretches of the Rispana river in Dehradun. The organisation has highlighted one specific example- near the Bala Sundari Mandir on Canal Road, wherein mining is being carried out on the riverbed away from public view in between the half constructed walls that have been erected right on the riverbed for the riverfront development programme.
MAD released a statement pointing out that shortly after the group’s plantation drive in Tarla Nagal area- it was noticed that some stretches in the upper regions of Rispana were causing moderate flooding in the low lying areas. On inspection, the locals informed the group members that mining activities are rampant and debris, including the construction debris is blocking the smooth flow of the river. MAD has called upon the government to come out clean in its priorities and intentions regarding the Rispana. The students have warned the political and administrative leadership to not use the river’s name for any further slogans if they do not wish to deliver on its revival. It will be recalled that MAD has been spearheading the campaign to rejuvenate Rispana river over the last nine years and was closely involved with the high level committee, working under the chairmanship of the chief secretary tasked by the chief
minister. After several rounds of meetings, while plantation activities were agreed to and carried out, no further activity to rejuvenate the river- like removing encroachment, cleaning the river, fixing responsibility on officials or of maintaining the planted saplings- was carried out, state the members.
Wednesday, 09 September 2020 | PNS | Dehradun
