Doon residents upset over lack of transparency in beautification projects
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Dehradun Smart City Limited (DSCL) is executing landscaping and beautification efforts at Dilaram Chowk, Clock Tower, Sai Mandir Chowk, and Kuthal Gate, in addition to drainage upgrades at ISBT. According to officials, the projects, estimated to cost Rs 10 crore, aim to transform available spaces with modular designs that not only enhance cleanliness but also attract tourists. Sources told TOI that these projects were assigned to DSCL to utilise leftover funds after the dissolution of Smart Cities Mission by March 31 this year.
"Extensive beautification was already carried out just a year and a half ago for the Global Investors' Summit, costing taxpayers lakhs. Now we're starting from scratch again instead of maintaining existing work. This is a blatant misuse of resources," said social activist Anoop Nautiyal.
He also criticised the lack of public engagement. "Citizen involvement was completely absent from the process. If plans were shared publicly, feedback and suggestions could be included.
Lakhs were spent to build Brahmakamal Chowk, only to dismantle it later. The Clock Tower has undergone multiple redesigns in recent years. This culture of working in silos is disappointing, and authorities must change their mindset," Nautiyal added.
Administrative officials, however, claim that the revamped landmarks will reflect local 'pahadi' aesthetics and will help streamline traffic with new slip roads and signals.
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"Most of the work will be done by the end of June," said DSCL ACEO Tirath Pal. The only major active Smart City project remaining in Dehradun after this is the Rs 206 crore Green Building initiative.
Meanwhile, civic bodies also voiced concerns, particularly as the Clock Tower area falls under the jurisdiction of Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC). "Multiple agencies working independently often lead to coordination and maintenance issues, as we've seen with previous projects," said a senior DMC official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
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