Dehradun, August 10, 2024 – Dehradun's rising temperatures and dwindling greenery have become serious concerns.
Addressing these issues, social organization *Dhad* organized a discussion titled "Scorching City and Unbalanced Development" as part of *Harela* month.
The programme , held at the Doon Library & Research Center, brought together environmentalists and social activists who voiced deep concerns about the city’s future.
Keynote speaker Dr. Ravi Chopra highlighted the global nature of climate change, saying, "The rising temperature in Dehradun, reaching up to 43 degrees, is a result of climate change.
The only way to combat this is by planting more trees and maintaining greenery. We must maximize the use of local resources and ensure the upkeep of the trees we plant."
Social activist Reenu Paul discussed the rapid environmental changes in Dehradun, stating, "The Doon Valley, once characterized by rivers, reserve forests, canals, and fields, is now turning into a heat island.
This transformation is largely due to deforestation for various projects and the erosion of the Shivalik range."
Himanshu Arora from *Citizen for Green Doon* praised *Dhad* for organizing the event and remarked, "More such discussions are needed to raise awareness about environmental issues.
"Trees are being cut down for development projects, but no one is talking about the trees that were supposed to be planted in their place."
He also mentioned that the trees transplanted on Sahastradhara Road have now turned into a barren land.
Dhad President Lokesh Nawani expressed concern over unplanned development, saying, "The current model of unbalanced and destructive development lacks an inclusive approach that maintains balance in nature".
"The rise in temperature to 43 degrees in Dehradun, along with droughts, excessive rainfall, and landslides elsewhere, forces us to rethink our development model and how we can protect our city from such disasters."
Dhad Secretary Tanmay Mamgai spoke about the various events organized as part of *Harela* month, focusing on issues like migration in the hills and unbalanced development.
The event saw participation from several other dignitaries who shared their concerns about the environment and development in Dehradun.