Dehradun, often romanticized as the idyllic gateway to the Himalayas, is grappling with an environmental crisis that threatens its future as a clean, green city. The ubiquitous use of polythene—seen fluttering in trees, clogging drains, and blanketing streets—stands as a stark reminder of promises made but never fulfilled.
Despite the slogans of a “Green Doon” and a “Clean Doon” echoed by local authorities and public leaders, the reality is grim. Within the municipal limits of Dehradun, any significant improvement in sanitation and cleanliness seems unattainable without a radical shift in political will and a commitment to enforcement by the Nagar Nigam Dehradun. Today, over 90% of garbage in the city is laced with polythene waste—a figure that casts doubt on the efficacy of government-led cleanliness drives.
Addressing the polythene menace has become a political talking point rather than a ground reality. While public speeches wax poetic about sustainability, the connection between the so-called “polythene mafia” and Nagar Nigam authorities remains an open secret. The unchecked proliferation of single-use plastics—despite a nationwide ban—is a glaring failure of governance.
In Dehradun, more than 90% of shopkeepers and nearly every vegetable vendor continue to rely on polythene bags. The source of these bags is no mystery. If citizens know where to procure them, how can authorities feign ignorance? This glaring oversight suggests either a lack of will or a tacit agreement to look the other way.
Religious processions, often sponsored by politicians of every stripe, contribute significantly to the problem. Streets are left littered with non-biodegradable waste, a spectacle of environmental apathy underwritten by public funds.
The availability of polythene bags in such abundance raises uncomfortable questions: How are these bags manufactured, supplied, and sold with such ease? The answer lies in the smooth, well-oiled supply chains operating with impunity. Illegal factories churn out these banned items, resulting in significant revenue losses for the government in terms of GST and income tax. The fact that this occurs openly in the state capital speaks volumes about the enforcement vacuum.
If this is the state of affairs in Dehradun, what horrors might smaller towns and rural areas of Uttarakhand be facing?
Dehradun’s identity as a “city of schools” contrasts starkly with the attitudes of its residents. A significant portion of the population remains reluctant to adopt sustainable practices, such as carrying reusable bags. Instead, they demand plastic carry bags for even the smallest purchases.
For businesses trying to do the right thing, the challenges are even greater. Biodegradable packaging options are taxed at a punitive 18% GST, compared to the 5% levied on polythene bags. This perverse incentive structure discourages eco-friendly practices and allows plastic to dominate the market.
Reversing the polythene crisis in Dehradun requires action on multiple fronts:
1. Honest Enforcement: Local authorities must commit to cracking down on the illegal manufacturing and sale of polythene. The current lax approach only emboldens offenders.
2. Public Responsibility: Citizens must cultivate the habit of carrying their own shopping bags. Awareness campaigns should target schools and communities to instill this change.
3. Economic Incentives: The government should lower GST on biodegradable packaging and heavily penalize those involved in the illegal plastic trade.
4. Transparency and Accountability: The Nagar Nigam must be held accountable for its role—or lack thereof—in addressing this issue. Regular audits and public disclosures could deter corruption and negligence.
Dehradun stands at a crossroads. Its dream of being a clean and green city is slipping away, suffocated by a plastic blanket of its own making. The solutions are within reach, but they demand courage, commitment, and the willingness to move beyond empty promises. Will the city rise to the challenge, or will it let polythene define its future? The answer lies not just with the government but with every resident of this once-pristine valley.
The author was born and brought up in Dehradun and is a keen observer of societal changes and urban affairs in the city.
Dehradun Urban Agenda (DUA) is a special Blog Series by SDC Foundation on the upcoming civic elections in Dehradun. It carries voices and thoughts of citizens who strive to make Doon liveable and sustainable.
