Talking about Dehradun, the salubrious weather of the city is on the verge of taking a completely unpredictable and unfavourable turn.

The temperature and climatic conditions of an area determines the sustainability and unsustainability of life in that region. It not only affects the life on land but also the quality of vegetation, aviation, industry, way of living and amounts of pollution in a certain area. When we talk about Dehradun, the city which was once well known to have a salubrious weather is now experiencing unpredictable climate changes that have had a huge impact over every living creature and especially the agricultural industry of the town.

Effects of Rising Temperature in Dehradun

The Rising Temperature in Dehradun has led to an increase in the production of Greenhouse gases in the town. This is leading to a decline in the production of flowers in the areas covered by the Sal Forest in Dehradun as reported by The Times of India. Increasing Temperature in Dehradun is disturbing the natural regeneration in an unpredictable way. The horticulture belt is being affected by these drastic Climate Changes in Doon and areas around it. Rising Temperature in Dehradun is causing an Increase in the Night Time Temperature, Drier Days and Extreme Weather Conditions in Dehradun. The usage of land due to unparalleled construction works has led to an unethical use of land in the town which is causing the natural springs become seasonal or they dry up. As 60-80% of the population in Uttarakhand  is dependent on the springs as the major source of water for domestic purposes, drinking, sanitation and livelihoods and because of the lack of recharge during the summer months and failure in the implementation of pumping schemes by the Gov, a lot of stress on the water resources is been seen over the past years now.

Rising Temperature is a Major Threat on Doon’s Water Resources as high temperature is affecting the distribution of rainfall, river flow, groundwater reserves and snow melting in Uttarakhand glaciers. Once a perennial river, The Rispana is now more of a seasonal one as the high amount of encroachments and excessive summer heat have led to a significant decrease in the quality and quantity of The Rispana River and it requires a massive tree plantation drive to be restored. The state of Uttarakhand has a plethora of water resources like river water, glacier, spring water and ground water but due to the unsystematic distribution of water resources there is scarcity of water in many areas of Dehradun. Frequent landslides, cloud bursts and excessive flow of river water have damaged the water pipes and infrastructure causing disruption in water supply. The mercury level is rising in both hills and plains of Uttarakhand. The maximum temperature is settling 4 to 5 notches above the normal, which is leading to forest fires in the area of Uttarakhand. This in turn is causing a decrease in the level of annual rainfall.

Causes of Rising Temperature in Dehradun

1. Deforestation is increasing not only in Dehradun but in the entire state of Uttarakhand with an increasing rate now. Illegal destruction of trees for unauthorised supply of wood has led to a huge imbalance in the ecosystem of the town.

2. Unplanned Construction is one of the major reasons for an increase in the temperature in Dehradun. This bogus way of construction has led to disrupting the vegetation cover with an increase in the concrete jungle, thus stressing on the ground water resources in a boundless manner.

3. The Increase in Pollution in Dehradun is leading the natural vegetation and water resources suffer in every manner. The level of vehicular pollution has increased up to 50 to 60%. Major locations in the city like Clock Tower, Saharanpur Chawk, Balliwala etc have a miserable quality of air.

4. Exploitation of Resources is also a dominant cause for the excessive increase in the Temperature of Dehradun. The exploitation of resources like water and wood lead to its overuse thus causing a disruption in the regular and sustainable supply of these resources.

5. Unsatisfactory Management of Tourists in the city is also a cause for an Increase in the Temperature of Dehradun during the peak seasons. The poor condition of roads and inappropriate waste management facility leads to excess pollution causing an imbalance in the ecosystem of Dehradun and nearby places.

Ways to Save the Rising Temperature in Dehradun

1. Plantation of Trees is the most effective and essential step that can be a saviour of every crisis occurring in the hills. The drying rivers, the excess vehicular pollution and the unpredictable climate change can all be balanced up to a certain extent by planting more trees in the valley.

2. Using Public Transport can be really beneficial in having better roads in the city. The crucial traffic during school hours can be reduced if more of public transport is opted by parents and students. Using two wheeler for brisk distance is a better option as it won’t choke up the roads.

3. Better ways to manage migration is an important step that needs to be taken by the Gov to the earliest. Dehradun is experiencing unplanned migration from a number of cities in the country, an urgent need to manage this migrating population in terms of better facilities in areas like sanitation, public health, public transport, strict traffic rules etc are required.

4. Controlled Construction should be made mandatory in various parts of the city such as high altitude places where the forest cover is depleted in order to carry construction activities. The Gov should impose strict laws which would enable the sustenance of the green cover of these areas of Doon.

5. Stringent Implementation of Gov Laws is a must as this would enable a more regulated and systematic city that would produce less pollution and more solution.