Land - How to Grab it and Waste it

Was just driving by Uttarakhand Secretariat, and I thought - Why is the government always in need of land when it doesn't even use the land it already owns to its maximum capacity? Uttarkahand has about 65% forest land (please note - that is "land" owned by forest dept, not tree cover) and so avenues for growth and development must perforce be restricted to the remaining 35% including agricultural activity. In such a situation, you would think that a responsible state government would come forth to set an example on optimum land utilization in the state. I don't see that happening. Apart from a blanket ban on vertical development, no one seems to be bothered. 

Built-up area of each piece of land owned by the government must be used to the maximum limit before government considers acquiring more land for whatever purposes. Sprawling offices mimicking resorts is not the work of a responsible government, but space utilisation. Why can't the MDDA build EWS flats for the poor instead of PWD building elaborate edifices satisfying someone's notion of good taste? 

We must adopt a want not waste not policy when it comes to land. And government must set an example. 

CFGD Legal Cell

When Dr. Pande mentioned in FB that DM cribbed that CFGD doesn’t do enough to protect trees and instead keeps filing PILs, that was like the Eureka moment. Time for CFGD to throw in the towel and stop expecting the government to safeguard people’s welfare (Please! Is there anyone who thinks trees are irrelevant to people’s welfare? Check out environmental disaster zones), instead people are expected to do it themselves (Remind me, why are we paying taxes?).

So…CFGD has formed its Legal Cell to help with all its PILs to save trees. Is it irony of the blackest shade that we are fighting against the government (formed by, for and of the people) to protect people’s welfare?

To the legal eagles and green warriors of the Legal Cell of CFGD – WELCOME!!! And thank you already! It’s the best of the bestest adrenaline boost for us. Thanks again. 

Community Gardens

Just thought of something. Some urban areas have this concept of community gardens. Its interesting. Common public spaces can be allotted by the Municipality / development authority to interested residents who can grow their own gardens at their cost. The Municipality gives a master landscape design/ limitation within which the individual gardeners can design their space however they wish. A gardener could be allotted if resources permit to protect the area and water it. Public can view the gardens and gardeners can get the satisfaction of growing and having their efforts enjoyed by the public. Check out the wiki site to know All about Community Gardens. I think its a cool idea for Dehradun. Schools and others can be involved in it on a regular basis, develop community feeling and develop stake in their environment. Wonder if we can get enough committed people to start this in Dehradun? 

Let me know people if you know anyone who will be interested! 

Landscaping Doon

The most beautiful green space in Dehradun that I enjoyed – Mindrolling Monastery. I don’t know who the landscaping artist is, but hats off to  person responsible. Outstanding job. The temple premises is landscaped keeping the cultural sensitivity of the space and yet so inviting, open and peaceful. Just about the perfect getaway in the city. Ideal for a Saturday and Saki, and if you need sustenance of a more material nature, Norjin Restaurant and café opposite to it. Check them out for the best Tibetan cuisine and yummiest pastries in Dehradun. Its become my must go place far from the maddening crowd. Let me know if any of you know the landscaping artist? 

One other place I always wish I had time (and permission of course) to design is the Shiv Mandir on Rajpur Road. Seen the temple? Serendipity is just the right word to describe the place. The site has immense potential to become THE showpiece green space of Dehradun - what man (or woman) can do if they put their mind to it! 

Participation at Events : 

Hello everyone. CFGD finds a lot of reluctance among aam admi to actively participate / contribute in greening Doon. A host of reasons : time, convenience, interest, etc. So, tell us about ways in which we can improve participation and awareness among the good people of Doon. Regular events and competitions for students is one idea that could be done. Anything else? Tell us what you think!