DEHRADUN: With rapid urbanisation putting unprecedented pressure on roads, water resources, green spaces and civic infrastructure, concerns are mounting that Dehradun is "bursting at the seams."
Against this backdrop, social activist Anoop Nautiyal has urged the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) to ensure that the upcoming Master Plan is driven by public awareness and long-term vision rather than becoming a forum for isolated local grievances.
In a letter addressed to the Vice Chairman of MDDA, Nautiyal welcomed the authority's decision to hold public consultations on the proposed Dehradun Master Plan but cautioned that such meetings could easily turn into grievance-redressal sessions unless citizens first understand the broader planning framework.
He suggested that MDDA organise at least three city-level public information sessions across different parts of Dehradun, dedicated exclusively to explaining the vision behind the Master Plan.
According to him, these sessions should educate residents about the city's existing challenges, future growth projections and the rationale behind proposed planning decisions before inviting public feedback.
Nautiyal said the presentations should cover critical issues including land use planning, transportation and mobility, environmental conservation, river corridors, public spaces, housing, disaster resilience, heritage conservation, infrastructure development and the long-term strategy for making Dehradun a sustainable and liveable city.
He stressed that citizens should understand not only what is being proposed but also why those proposals are necessary.
He further recommended the use of PowerPoint presentations, maps, visual illustrations and simple explanations so that ordinary residents can better appreciate how the Master Plan seeks to tackle present-day urban challenges and prepare Dehradun for future expansion.
Better-informed citizens, he argued, would contribute more constructive and meaningful suggestions during consultations.
Emphasising that public consultations should combine listening with public education, Nautiyal said an informed citizenry can become a genuine partner in shaping Dehradun's future instead of limiting discussions to ward-level complaints.
As the city struggles with unchecked expansion and mounting infrastructure stress, urban planners believe the success of the new Master Plan will depend not only on technical expertise but also on meaningful public participation built on awareness rather than reaction.
