DEHRADUN: "Public services in Uttarakhand now run on favours, not rights — and corruption is at an all-time high,” said former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Jayaraj, delivering a scathing indictment of the state’s governance at a recent roundtable dialogue hosted by SDC Foundation at Doon Library, here.
The event pulled no punches as speakers from across the board warned that the state is sliding into a social, political, and environmental mess — with no credible roadmap in sight.
The dialogue, titled “The Future of Uttarakhand: Social, Economic, Political, and Environmental Changes and Their Impact,” sparked sharp criticism of the current administration’s failure to deliver basic services, tackle corruption, or engage with civil society.
Senior journalist Rajeev Nayan Bahuguna described the situation as “a dangerous silence,” noting that “many voices trying to break this silence are actually causing more damage.” He urged genuine changemakers to step up, free from political greed.
Veteran journalist Jaysingh Rawat slammed the so-called land law reforms as emotionally manipulative. “Calling people outsiders is not just unconstitutional — it weakens the legitimate demand for land rights,” he said.
Social activist Ranbir Chaudhary raised alarm over thousands of acres changing hands without transparency. “Even the departments don’t know what’s going on — or don’t want to reveal it,” he alleged.
Rising regional tension also came under fire. Jagmohan Mehandiratta said, “Hill-versus-plain politics is now a shortcut to power.” Pawan Lalchand pointed out that farmers in the plains, like those in Narsan, continue to be ignored despite being integral to the state.
Environmentalist and activist Trilochan Bhatt warned that communalism and regionalism are being deliberately sowed to polarize the electorate. Journalist Yogesh Kumar called for building pressure groups to restore public accountability.
Wrapping up the dialogue, SDC Foundation’s Anoop Nautiyal listed a grim tally — crumbling law and order, skyrocketing unemployment, environmental degradation, and political inertia.
“There’s no limit to the Char Dham Yatra footfall. No one’s talking about carrying capacity,” he said, urging youth, women, and civil society to take charge before it’s too late.
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