Report: Mo Faheem ‘Tanha’
BIG NEWS TODAY: When Saurabh Thapliyal assumed office as the Mayor of Dehradun Municipal Corporation, the city was grappling with several long-standing and complex challenges—cleanliness, traffic, waterlogging, parking, revenue generation, and rapidly increasing urban pressure. After nearly one year in office, his administration now appears to be moving forward with a clearer direction and a defined working style.
Young Leadership and a Clear Vision
From the very beginning, Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal’s leadership has been seen as a symbol of youthful energy and modern thinking. In his initial statements, he emphasized “Clean & Green Doon” and public participation as key priorities. He believes that a city’s development is possible not merely through policies but through the active involvement of its citizens.
Focus on Cleanliness and Urban Management
In his first year, the municipal corporation paid special attention to improving sanitation, streamlining waste management, and maintaining cleanliness in public spaces. In several areas, regular cleaning drives, monitoring, and strict accountability of staff were introduced, sending a clear message to citizens that the corporation does not intend to remain confined to paperwork alone.
Revenue and Administrative Reforms
One of the biggest challenges for the municipal corporation has been revenue collection. Under the mayor’s leadership, the administration made efforts to increase income through property tax and other sources, aiming to make the corporation financially self-reliant and reduce dependence on external funding for development works.
Alongside this, initiatives to improve transparency and work culture within the administration were also observed.
Coordination with Councilors
The newly formed municipal board includes a large number of new councilors. The mayor emphasized coordination and dialogue with them, conveying that the city’s development is only possible through collective effort. This approach helped accelerate decision-making within the corporation.
Challenges Still Remain
However, it is not possible to resolve all issues within a single year. In a rapidly expanding city like Dehradun, challenges related to traffic, parking, drainage, and basic infrastructure continue to be a cause of concern for citizens. Public expectations on these issues remain high, and the real test of the administration will lie in addressing them in the coming years.
The Road Ahead with Hope
Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal’s first year has largely been about setting direction and strengthening the foundation. Citizens are now watching closely to see how effectively and swiftly this vision is translated into action on the ground.
Overall, his one-year tenure can be seen neither as claim-driven nor inactive but as a beginning that places reform, transparency, and public participation at the center of Dehradun’s future.
