The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun is set to introduce German-made street sweeping machines to modernize and improve the city’s cleaning system. The project, worth around ₹6.5 crore, has been approved and will bring mechanized road cleaning to the capital of Uttarakhand for the first time on this scale.
Officials said the imported machines will help tackle long-standing complaints of dust, garbage accumulation, and inefficient manual cleaning across the city. Once deployed, the advanced equipment will sweep wide stretches of road quickly and efficiently, reducing both manpower dependence and time taken for daily cleaning operations.
The corporation confirmed that the project is part of its ongoing effort to align Dehradun with the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission. With rapid urban growth and increasing vehicular traffic, traditional cleaning methods have proven insufficient to maintain hygiene and air quality. Mechanized sweeping is expected to cut down dust levels, particularly along high-traffic corridors.
Municipal Commissioner Manuj Goyal noted that the project is a major step forward. “The machines are designed to provide thorough cleaning and dust control. This initiative will not only improve the city’s appearance but also contribute to better public health by reducing airborne particles,” he said.
The new equipment, sourced from Germany, is known for its durability and efficiency. Each machine is capable of collecting both fine dust and heavier waste from roadsides. They will be operated by trained personnel and monitored to ensure coverage of critical areas such as Rajpur Road, Clock Tower, Paltan Bazaar, and other busy localities.
Officials explained that the machines will complement, not replace, the workforce. While mechanized sweeping will handle major roads, sanitation workers will continue to clean narrow lanes and residential areas where large vehicles cannot operate. Authorities also said the plan includes training programs for staff, regular maintenance contracts, and monitoring systems to ensure the machines are used effectively.
Residents have welcomed the move, saying cleaner streets are a long-overdue necessity in Dehradun. Many citizens have complained in recent years about dust and garbage piling up, especially during tourist seasons and festival periods. Shopkeepers in Paltan Bazaar expressed hope that mechanized cleaning will make the market more attractive for visitors.
Environmental experts, too, praised the decision, pointing out that airborne dust is a major contributor to respiratory issues in the city. They argued that investing in modern technology is critical as Dehradun grows and aspires to meet higher standards of cleanliness and livability.
Critics, however, have raised concerns over the cost of the machines and their maintenance. Some councillors questioned whether the ₹6.5 crore investment will yield proportional benefits, especially if operational costs rise. Officials responded by saying that mechanized sweeping is a long-term investment that will save money on manual operations while raising cleanliness standards.
The project comes at a time when Uttarakhand’s capital is also preparing for Smart City initiatives, including improved waste management, better traffic systems, and digital monitoring of civic services. Authorities believe the introduction of these machines will boost Dehradun’s ranking in the national Swachh Survekshan survey.
The German-made sweepers are expected to be deployed within the next few months, following delivery and testing. Once operational, Dehradun will join the list of Indian cities adopting international technology to improve urban sanitation and living standards.
