Dehradun from a pensioners’ haven to investors’ haven

Nestling in the foothills of Mussoorie, my native town Dehradun was known as pensioners’ haven at one time. But in recent years, it has transformed into an investors’ haven.

The town is an integral part of my childhood, and it used to have a feeling of belongingness in its every nook and corner. But it has changed immensely now. The calm still prevails but along with commotion; the green coexists with concrete and the middle class with the affluent. A decade ago stepping out would mean bumping into familiar faces, but not so now. The town is teeming with people from the neighbouring states. It seems difficult that the simplicity and the essence of the Dehradun’s culture would survive the tsunami of this influx.

To soak in the old-world charm of Dehradun, I often sneak into its lanes and bylanes, hoping to find a familiar face, with a warm hug and hot cup of tea. But I only spot fancy cafes, which cannot replace the mouth-watering authentic flavours of pahadi cuisine.

The native Doonites as we call ourselves yearn for our beautiful old Dehradun.

Shuchi Agarwal, Dehradun