View source for Dehradun

{{short description|Winter capital of Uttarakhand, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Dehradun
| native_name_lang   = iso 15919
| other_name         = Dehra Doon
| settlement_type    = Metropolis
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| total_width              = 280
| image_style              =
| perrow                   = 1/2/2/2
| image1 = Dehradun view from maggi point.jpg
| caption1 = [[Doon Valley]]
| image2 = Robbers Cave, Dehradun.jpg
| caption2 = [[Robber's Cave, India|Robber's Caves]]
| image3= Hanuman Idol at Tapkeshwar Temple..jpg
| caption3 = [[Tapkeshwar Temple]]
| image4= Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India.jpg
| caption4 = [[Indian Military Academy]]
| image5= War Memorial of Nepal.jpg
| caption5 = [[Khalanga War Memorial]]
| image6= The Doon School.jpg
| caption6 = [[The Doon School]]
| image7= Dehradun cricket stadium.jpg
| caption7 = [[Dehradun International Cricket Stadium|Dehradun stadium]]
| image8 = Forest research institute 3, Dehra dun.jpg
| caption8 = [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]]
}}
| image_caption      = 
| nickname           = Doon
| coordinates        = {{coord|30.345|N|78.029|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Flag of Uttarakhand.svg}} [[Uttarakhand]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Dehradun District|Dehradun]]
| established_title1 = Founded
| established_date1  = 1817
| established_title2 = Municipality
| established_date2  = 1867
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporations in India|Municipal Corporation]]
| governing_body     = [[Dehradun Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Saurabh Thapliyal]]
| leader_party       = [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]]
| leader_title2      = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|Lok Sabha MP]]
| leader_name2       = [[Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah]] ([[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]])
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = <ref name='Dehradoon City'/><ref name="area"/>
| area_total_km2     = 196.48
| area_metro_km2     = 300
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 450
| population_total   = 803983 (2<span>0</span>18)
| population_as_of   = 
| population_rank    = [[List of cities in India by population|79th]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name='Dehradoon City'/><ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India | access-date=26 March 2012 | archive-date=7 May 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507135928/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=UA1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India | access-date=26 March 2012 | archive-date=2 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402233834/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro   = 1279083 (2<span>0</span>21)
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/dehradun/|title=Dehradun|access-date=19 November 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202152355/https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/dehradun/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi]]<ref>{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=16 January 2019|page=47|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2 = Additional official
| demographics1_info2 = [[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-uttarakhand/story-wxk51l8Re4vNxofrr7FAJK.html |access-date=28 January 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=19 January 2010 |language=en |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627133359/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-uttarakhand/story-wxk51l8Re4vNxofrr7FAJK.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sanskrit second official language of Uttarakhand |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Sanskrit-second-official-language-of-Uttarakhand/article15965492.ece |access-date=28 January 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=21 January 2010 |language=en-IN |archive-date=3 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303145846/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Sanskrit-second-official-language-of-Uttarakhand/article15965492.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
| demographics1_title3 = Regional
| demographics1_info3 = [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]],<ref name="Ethno_Gbm">{{cite web |title=Garhwali |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/gbm |website=Ethnologue |access-date=6 June 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[Jaunsari language|Jaunsari]]<ref name="Ethno_Jns">{{cite web |title=Jaunsari |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/jns |website=Ethnologue |access-date=6 June 2022 |language=en }}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 248001
| area_code          = +91-135
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = UK-07
| blank6_name_sec1   = [[Human Development Index|HDI (2016)]]
| blank6_info_sec1   = {{nowrap|{{increase}}}} 0.816 ({{color|#090|very high}})<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ssca.org.in/media/4_2016_HDI_t1hcMZm.pdf |title=HDI LIST |website=ssca.org.in |access-date=24 September 2022}}</ref>
| Demonym(s)         = 
| website            = {{URL|https://dehradun.nic.in/}}
| footnotes          = 
| leader_title3      = [[Municipal Commissioner (India)|Municipal Commissioner]]
| leader_name3       = Manuj Goyal,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/whos.php |title=Nagar Nigam |access-date=30 October 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030113517/https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/whos.php |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
| official_name      = 
| native_name        = {{nativename|hi|Dēharādūna}}
| pushpin_map        = India Uttarakhand#India
| pushpin_relief     = yes
}}

'''Dehradun''' ({{Indic Transl|hi|Dēharādūna|d̪æɦᵊɾaːd̪uːnːᵊ}}), also known as '''Dehra Doon''', is the winter capital<ref name=":6" /> and the [[List of cities in Uttarakhand by population|most populous]] city of the [[India]]n state of [[Uttarakhand]]. It is the administrative headquarters of the eponymous [[Dehradun district|district]] and is governed by the [[Dehradun Municipal Corporation]], with the [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly]] holding its winter sessions in the city as its winter capital.<ref name=":6">{{cite magazine |title=Gairsain declared summer capital of Uttarakhand |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/06/08/gairsain-declared-summer-capital-of-uttarakhand.html |magazine=The Week |date=8 June 2020 |access-date=12 March 2022}}</ref> Part of the [[Garhwal division|Garhwal region]], and housing the headquarters of its Divisional Commissioner, Dehradun is one of the "[[National Capital Region (India)#Counter magnets|Counter Magnets]]" of the [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]] (NCR) being developed as an alternative centre of growth to help ease the migration and population explosion in the [[Delhi]] metropolitan area and to establish a [[smart city]] in the Himalayas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Delhi to get 'counter magnet cities' - Indian Express |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/delhi-to-get-counter-magnet-cities/673214/ |access-date=21 March 2021 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=27 August 2010 |archive-date=6 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606042327/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/delhi-to-get-counter-magnet-cities/673214 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=SmartCity, Dehradun|url=http://smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in/|access-date=21 March 2021|website=smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in|archive-date=25 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325072022/http://smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dehradun is located in the [[Doon Valley]] on the foothills of the [[Himalayas]] nestled between [[Song River (India)|Song River]], a tributary of [[Ganges]] on the east and the Asan River, a tributary of [[Yamuna]] on the west. The city is noted for its picturesque landscape and provides a gateway to the surrounding region.

Dehradun is a notable academic and research hub and is home to the [[Indian Military Academy]], [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]], [[Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy]], [[the Doon School]], [[Welham Boys' School]], [[Welham Girls' School]], [[Brightlands School]], [[Rashtriya Indian Military College]], [[Uttarakhand Ayurveda University]], [[Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology]] and the [[Indian Institute of Remote Sensing]]. It is the headquarters of the [[Survey of India|Surveyor-General of India]]. According to the combined survey based on health, infrastructure, economy, education, and crime, conducted by [[Dainik Jagran]] and [[KPMG]], Dehradun is one of India's safest cities.<ref>{{cite news |title=This Indian city is best to live in, but not safest; the safest city is Dehradun |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/economy/this-indian-city-is-best-to-live-in-and-delhi-mumbai-bengaluru-are-not-even-in-top-10/1380503/ |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Financial Express |date=14 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=देहरादून स्मार्ट सिटी को सुरक्षा की श्रेणी में अवार्ड |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-smart-city-dehradun-won-prize-in-sefty-categeree-22557755.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=Dainik Jagran |date=20 March 2022 |language=hi}}</ref> Dehradun is also known for its [[Basmati]] rice and bakery products.

Also known as the "Abode of Drona",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Rakesh |date=11 August 2018 |title=A lush green paradise |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/travel/lush-green-paradise-1502672056.html |access-date=8 December 2022 |work=The Statesman |quote=[...]While in the Mahabharata, it was an abode of Drona, the mighty Guru of the Kaurvas and Pandavas.}}</ref> Dehradun has been an important centre for [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal rulers]], which was first captured by [[Gorkha Kingdom|Gorkha Kings]], in January 1804, and then by the British. For its strategic value, in addition to the location of its principal service academy, the [[Indian Armed Forces]] maintain a considerable presence in Dehradun, at the [[Dehradun Cantonment|Garhi Cantonment]] and Naval Station. The [[Uttarakhand Police]] is the primary law enforcement agency in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Organization Setup |url=https://uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in/dpages/organization-setup2 |access-date=8 December 2022 |website=uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in}}</ref>

It is well connected and in proximity to Himalayan tourist destinations such as [[Shimla]], [[Mussoorie]], [[Dhanaulti]], [[Chakrata]], [[New Tehri]], [[Uttarkashi]], [[Harsil]], [[Chopta]]-[[Tungnath]], [[Auli, India|Auli]], and summer and winter hiking destinations like [[Dodital|the Valley of Flowers at Dodital]], [[Bugyals|Dayara Bugyal]], [[Kedarkantha]], [[Har Ki Dun|Har Ki Dun and Hemkunt Sahib]] for camping and Himalayan panoramic views. The [[Hindu]] holy cities of [[Haridwar]] and [[Rishikesh]], along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of [[Chota Char Dham]], viz. [[Yamunotri]], [[Gangotri]], [[Kedarnath]] and [[Badrinath]], are also primarily accessed via Dehradun, the closest major city.

==Etymology==
Dehradun is made up of two words "dehra" + "dun." "dehra" is a Hindi word with the meaning of temple, whose etymology is: "dev" + "ghar", from [[Prakrit]] "devahara."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/mcgregor_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE&searchhws=yes|title = The Oxford Hindi-English dictionary|year = 1993}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/dasa-hindi_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE&searchhws=yes|title=Hindi sabdasagara}}</ref> "dūn" (or Hindi दून derives from the Sanskrit droṇī (or द्रोणि) and means "a tract of country lying at the foot of hills; a valley"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/mcgregor_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A8&searchhws=yes|title = The Oxford Hindi-English dictionary|year = 1993}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/dasa-hindi_query.py?qs=%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%A8&searchhws=yes&matchtype=exact|title = Hindi sabdasagara}}</ref>

The town was established when [[Ram Rai]], the son of the seventh [[Sikh]] Guru, [[Guru Har Rai]] built a ''gurudwara'' or temple in the area in the 17th century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V11_218.gif|title = Imperial Gazetteer2 of India, Volume 11, page 212 -- Imperial Gazetteer of India -- Digital South Asia Library}}</ref> Ram Rai was sent by his father as an emissary to the Mughal emperor [[Aurangzeb]] in Delhi. Aurangzeb objected to a verse in the Sikh scripture (''Asa ki Var'') that stated, "the clay from a Musalman(Muslim)'s grave is kneaded into potter's lump", considering it an insult to Islam. Ram Rai explained that the text was miscopied and modified it, substituting "Musalman" with "Beiman" (faithless, evil) which Aurangzeb approved.<ref name=eosramrai>[https://archive.org/details/TheEncyclopediaOfSikhism-VolumeIiiM-r/page/n477 Ram Rai], Encyclopedia of Sikhism, Editor in Chief: Harbans Singh, Punjab University</ref><ref name="McLeod2014p260"/> This led Guru Har Rai to bar his son from his presence, and name his younger son as his successor. Aurangzeb responded by granting Ram Rai a [[jagir]] (land grant) in Garhwal region ([[Uttarakhand]]). The town later came to be known as Dehradun, after ''Dehra'' referring to Ram Rai's shrine.<ref name="McLeod2014p260">{{cite book|author1=Louis E. Fenech|author2=W. H. McLeod|title=Historical Dictionary of Sikhism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xajcAwAAQBAJ|year=2014|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-1-4422-3601-1|pages=260–261|access-date=9 July 2021|archive-date=5 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305055342/https://books.google.com/books?id=xajcAwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Many followers of Ram Rai, called [[Ramraiyas]], settled with Ram Rai.<ref name=eosramrai/><ref>[https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/490354/Ram-Raiyas Rām Rāiyā] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109003354/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/490354/Ram-Raiyas |date=9 November 2010 }}, Encyclopædia Britannica</ref> During the days of [[British Raj]], the official name of the town was '''Dehra'''.<ref>{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Dehra|volume=07|short=x}}</ref> In due time the word Dehra was linked to Dun, and thus the city was named Dehradun.

In the [[Skanda Purana]], Dun is mentioned as a part of the region called Kedarkhand, the abode of [[Shiva]]. According to Hindu mythology, in ancient India during the [[Mahabharata]] epic era, [[Dronacharya]], the great teacher of [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]], lived here, hence the name of "Dronanagari" (lit. ''city of [[Drona]]'').<ref>[[History of Dehradun]]</ref><ref>Natural Resource Management By B. W. Pandey (ed. By) Page 226 {{ISBN|81-7099-986-3}} Mittal Publications, India Language English (31 March 2005)</ref>

== History ==
{{Main | History of Dehradun}}
[[File:Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s.jpg|thumb|left|Doon Valley, Dehradun, 1850s]]
The history of the city of [[Uttarakhand]], Dehradun (nicknamed "Doon Valley") is linked to the story of [[Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata]]. It is believed that after the battle between [[Ravana]] and Rama, Rama and his brother [[Lakshmana]] visited this site. Also, known as 'Dronanagari' on the name of [[Dronacharya]], legendary Royal guru to the [[Kauravas]] and [[Pandavas]] in the epic Mahabharata, is believed to have been born and resided in Dehradun.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gov.ua.nic.in/schooleducation/DIET/diet_dehradun/district_profile.htm |title=A Brief History of Dehradun |publisher=District Institute of Education and Training, Dehradun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519221815/http://gov.ua.nic.in/schooleducation/DIET/diet_dehradun/district_profile.htm |archive-date=19 May 2007 }}</ref> Evidence such as ancient temples and idols have been found in the areas surrounding Dehradun which have been linked to the mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These relics and ruins are believed to be around 2000 years old. Furthermore, the location, the local traditions and the literature reflect this region's links with the events of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Even after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas had an influence on this region as the rulers of [[Hastinapura]] with the descendants of [[Subahu]] ruled the region as subsidiaries. Likewise, [[Rishikesh]] is mentioned in the pages of history when [[Vishnu]] answered the prayers of the saints, slaughtered the demons and handed the land to the saints. The adjoining place called [[Chakrata]] has its historical impression during the time of Mahabharata.

In the seventh century, this area was known as Sudhanagara and was described by the Chinese traveller [[Huen Tsang]]. Sudhanagara later came to be recognised as [[Kalsi]]. [[Edicts of Ashoka]] have been found in the region along the banks of the river [[Yamuna]] in Kalsi indicating the wealth and importance of the region in ancient India. In the neighbouring region of Haripur, ruins were discovered from the time of King Rasala which also reflect the region's prosperity. It was under control of Garhwal for many centuries. 

Fateh Shah, a Garhwal king, donated three villages in Dehradun to Sikh guru Ram Rai. Before the name of Dehradun was used, the place is shown on old maps as Gurudwara (a map by Webb, 1808) or Gurudwara (a map by Gerard, 1818). Gerard's map names the place as "Dehra or Gurudwara". Surrounding this original Sikh temple were many small villages that are now the names of parts of the modern city.
[[File:Guru Ram Rai Temple, Dehradun, 1858.jpg|thumb|[[Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib]] in 1858. The construction of the present building was completed in 1707.]]
Dehradun itself derives its name from the historical fact that [[Ram Rai]], the eldest son of the Seventh Sikh Guru [[Har Rai]], set up his "Dera" (camp) in "dun" (valley) in 1676. This 'Dera Dun' later on became Dehradun.

The Mughal Emperor [[Aurangzeb]] was highly impressed by the miraculous powers of charismatic Ram Rai. He asked the contemporary Maharaja of Garhwal, [[Fateh Shah]] to extend all possible help to Ram Rai. Initially, a Gurudwara (temple) was built in Dhamawala. The construction of the present building, [[Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib]], was completed in 1707. There are portraits of gods, goddesses, saints, sages and religious stories on the walls. There are pictures of flowers and leaves, animals and birds, trees, similar faces with pointed noses and big eyes on the arches which are the symbol of the colour scheme of [[Pahari art|Kangra-Guler art]] and [[Mughal art]]. High minarets and round pinnacles are the models of Muslim architecture. The huge pond in the front measuring {{convert|230 x 80|feet}} had dried up for want of water over the years. People had been dumping rubbish; it has been renovated and revived.

[[File:Flag of the Princely State of Tehri Garhwal.svg|thumb|left|Princely flag of [[Garhwal Kingdom|Kingdom of Garhwal]]. Dehradun was part of the princely state of Garhwal before becoming part of British India after the [[Anglo-Nepalese War]] in 1816.]]
Dehradun was invaded by [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] during his campaigns into India followed by [[Timur]] in 1368, Rohilla chief [[Najib ad-Dawlah]] in 1757 and [[Ghulam Kadir|Ghulam Qadir]] in 1785. In 1804 battles of Khurbura at Dehradun fought between Garhwal king Pradyuman shah and Gorakhali forces led by General Amar Singh thapa in which king Pradyuman shah died and came under control of Gorakha. In 1806 the Nepalese Commander ''[[Kaji (Nepal)|Kaji]]'' [[Amar Singh Thapa]] under the central leadership of Prime Minister [[Mukhtiyar]] [[Bhimsen Thapa]] united many of the Indian territories that now fell under places such as [[Almora]], [[Pathankot]], [[Kumaon Kingdom|Kumaon]], [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]], [[Sirmur State|Sirmur]], [[Shimla]], [[Kangra district|Kangra]] and Dehradun.

On the western front Garhwal and parts of [[Himachal Pradesh]] up to [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] and on the eastern front the state of [[Sikkim]] up to [[Darjeeling]] became parts of Nepal for a brief period until the British [[East India Company]] went to [[Anglo-Nepalese War|war]] from 1814 to 1816. The war ended with the signing of the [[Treaty of Sugauli]] where almost a third was ceded to British East India company. The British got Dehradun in 1816 and colonised [[Landour]] and [[Mussoorie]] in 1827–1828.

[[File:Capt john.jpg|thumb|Capt John War memorial maintained by the army at Dehradun]]
[[Jawaharlal Nehru]], India's first prime minister, was quite fond of the city and often visited. He spent his last few days here before passing away in Delhi in 1964.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/may/270512-How-Nehru-spent-his-last-four-days.htm|title=How Nehru spent his last four days|publisher=Mid-day.com|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=4 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604034646/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2012/may/270512-How-Nehru-spent-his-last-four-days.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Another leader from the independence movement, [[Rash Behari Bose]], who was one of the key organisers of the [[Ghadar conspiracy]] and, later, the [[Indian National Army]] was based in Dehradun in his early days before he was forced to move to Japan in 1915 to continue the freedom struggle.

Post-independence Dehradun and other parts of [[Garhwal Kingdom|Garhwal]] and [[Kumaon Kingdom|Kumaon]] were merged with [[United Provinces (1937-1950)|United Provinces]] which was later renamed the state of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. In 2000, Uttarakhand state (earlier called Uttaranchal) was created from the northwestern districts of Uttar Pradesh under the [[Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000]]. Dehradun was made its interim capital.

===Afghan connection===
Dehradun's Afghan connection dated back to the [[First Anglo-Afghan War]], after which the [[Emir of Afghanistan|Afghan Emir]] [[Dost Mohammad Khan]] was exiled by the British to Dehradun.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Tracing-Doons-Afghan-connect/articleshow/47835111.cms|title=Tracing Doon's Afghan connect|work=The Times of India|access-date=11 March 2018|archive-date=15 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615153526/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Tracing-Doons-Afghan-connect/articleshow/47835111.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He stayed in [[Mussoorie]] for over 6 years. The Balahissar ward under the Mussoorie municipality has been named after the palace of Dost Mohammad. The famous Dehradooni [[Basmati]] was brought along by him from [[Kunar Province]] in Afghanistan and it continues to be counted as a delicacy of the valley.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Arvindar |title=Myths and Realities of Security & Public Affairs |date=January 2011 |publisher=Prabhat Prakashan |isbn=978-81-8430-112-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AJUkBQAAQBAJ&q=afghanistan+dehradun&pg=PA195 |access-date=31 August 2020 |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174047/https://books.google.com/books?id=AJUkBQAAQBAJ&q=afghanistan+dehradun&pg=PA195 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Dehradun historian and heritage activist Lokesh Ohri, "Dost Mohammad Khan was fond of pulao and missed it during his exile. He brought Basmati to the Doon valley and is credited with improving its genetic variety. His grandson Yaqub Khan gave Basmati seeds to a Paltan Bazaar trader and asked him to cultivate them in Dehradun. Surprisingly, the Doon valley's weather suited the rice and it turned out even better than the variety in Afghanistan."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/grain-of-history-exiled-200-years-ago-afghan-royals-introduced-basmati-to-doon/articleshow/85443032.cms|title=Grain of history: Exiled 200 years ago, Afghan royals introduced basmati to Doon|work=The Times of India|access-date=11 December 2024|archive-date=23 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323190447/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/grain-of-history-exiled-200-years-ago-afghan-royals-introduced-basmati-to-doon/articleshow/85443032.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Forty years later, after the [[Second Anglo-Afghan War]], his grandson, [[Mohammad Yaqub Khan]], was sent to exile to India in 1879. Just like his grandfather, he chose Doon valley as his abode. Yakoob became the first Afghan to formally settle in Dehradun. The present Mangla Devi Inter College was once the Kabul Palace where Yakoob spent a few years of his life. The extended family and servants of the King were also relocated to Dehradun.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Zikria |first1=B. A. |title=Malalai Joan of Arc of Afghanistan and the Victors of Maiwand: The Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-1882 |date=17 February 2017 |publisher=Xlibris Corporation |isbn=978-1-5245-7783-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9ZsuDgAAQBAJ&q=afghanistan+dehradun&pg=PT184 |language=en |access-date=15 October 2020 |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174100/https://books.google.com/books?id=9ZsuDgAAQBAJ&q=afghanistan+dehradun&pg=PT184 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Afghan royal family maintained a presence in Dehra Dun. It was the birthplace of the second to last [[King of Afghanistan]], [[Mohammed Nadir Shah]]. Two quaint palaces – the Kabul Palace in Dehradun<ref>{{cite news |date=19 March 2019 |title='Feels Like Home' – Afghanistan Fortify Dehradun Ties {{!}} Wisden Cricket |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/afghanistan-home-dehradun |access-date=24 March 2025 |work=Wisden}}</ref> and Bala Hissar Palace in Mussoorie – stand testimony to this connection with Afghanistan. They were built by these Afghan rulers in exile in India in the early part of the 20th Century and are palaces are a miniature replica of the palatial structures owned by the kings in Afghanistan. The Bala Hissar Palace has now been turned into Mussoorie's [[Wynberg Allen School]]. Doon-based heritage enthusiast Ghanshyam told the Times of India, "The police station at Karanpur used to be the royal guard room of Yakoob way back in 1879. The electrical office located at the Survey Chowk was the royal servants quarter."<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>

Today the descendants of the former royalty, Yakub Khan and his grandson Sardar Azim Khan's family have integrated with the mainstream of Dehradun life.<ref name="tribuneindia.com">{{cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090821/dplus.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Dehradun Plus|work=The Tribune|access-date=31 August 2020|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820230001/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090821/dplus.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The Doon connection was revived when Zahir Shah, the last king of Afghanistan while undergoing treatment in New Delhi during the last years of his life expressed a desire to meet his Doon cousins but the meeting could not take place as the family members were away.<ref name="tribuneindia.com"/> [[Ashraf Ghani]], former [[President of Afghanistan]] has mentioned that his grandmother grew up in Dehra Dun. "I speak of [[Rabindranath Tagore|Tagore]] because I was raised on Tagore by my grandmother who lived in Dehradun...," Dr Ghani said while talking about India's vision and the remarkable transformation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/tagores-kabuliwala-has-given-us-a-brand-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani/|title=Tagore's 'Kabuliwala' has given us a brand: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani|date=28 April 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=15 January 2021|archive-date=8 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108091855/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/tagores-kabuliwala-has-given-us-a-brand-afghan-president-ashraf-ghani/|url-status=live}}</ref> Dehradun is also being selected to be the second "home" ground of the [[Afghan cricket team]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=afghanistan: Dehradun likely to be Afghanistan's second home ground {{!}} Cricket News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/dehradun-likely-to-be-afghanistans-second-home-ground/articleshow/62554424.cms |access-date=15 January 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=18 January 2018 |language=en |archive-date=22 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122133807/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/dehradun-likely-to-be-afghanistans-second-home-ground/articleshow/62554424.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> and Afghan cricket fans recall this "centuries old link" with the town.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shalini |title=Afghanistan cricket fans recall centuries-old Dehradun link in Bangladesh series |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/afghanistan-cricket-fans-recall-centuries-old-dehradun-link-in-bangladesh-series/story-TQcHufmEC0xHJkvH4rrNBL.html |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=7 June 2018 |language=en |archive-date=4 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904120835/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/afghanistan-cricket-fans-recall-centuries-old-dehradun-link-in-bangladesh-series/story-TQcHufmEC0xHJkvH4rrNBL.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| header            = 
| header_align      = left/right/center
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| width             = 220
| image1            = Dehradun Snow covered peaks.jpg|thumb
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| caption1          = Snow-covered peaks of the Bandarpoonch range from Mussoorie, District Dehradun
| image2            = Dehradun Valley from Landour, Uttarakhand India November 2010.jpg|thumb
| width2            = 
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = A view of Doon valley from [[Landour]] cantonment
}}

The city of Dehradun mainly lies in [[Doon Valley]] and is at a varying height from {{cvt|410|m}} in [[Clement Town]] to above {{cvt|700|m}} at Malsi which is {{cvt|15|km}} from the city. However, the average elevation is {{cvt|450|m}} above sea level.<ref name="elevation">{{cite web |title=Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India |date=18 September 2020 |url=https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/sdg-cities/cities/dehradun-uttarakhand-india |publisher=The University of Melbourne |access-date=4 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183604/https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/sdg-cities/cities/dehradun-uttarakhand-india |url-status=live }}</ref> Malsi is the starting point of Lesser Himalayan Range that extends to Mussoorie and beyond. [[Jaunsar-Bawar]] hills in Dehradun district rises to {{cvt|3700|m}} above sea level. The hilly region of [[Mussoorie]] goes up to a height of {{cvt|1870–2017|m}} above sea level. Its geomorphological and meteorological characteristics make it prone to a number of natural hazards. Beside earthquakes, the region is frequently devastated by landslides, cloudbursts, flash-floods, cold waves and hailstorms.

The [[Doon valley]] contains the settlements including Raiwala, [[Rishikesh]], [[Doiwala]], Harrawala, Dehradun, [[Herbertpur]], [[Vikasnagar]], Sahaspur, Selaqui, Subhash Nagar and Clement Town. The district houses [[Rajaji National Park]] which is home to elephants, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary at Mussoorie & Asan Conservation Reserve ([[Asan Barrage]]). The Doon Valley has the [[Terai]] and [[Bhabar]] forests within it as well as the [[Shivalik hills]] and [[Lesser Himalaya|Lesser Himalayan Range]] containing hill stations such as Mussoorie and [[Chakrata]]. The district is bordered by the [[Himalayas]] in the north, Rajaji Range of the [[Sivalik Hills]] to the south, the river [[Ganges]] to the east, and the [[Yamuna]] river to the west. Towns in the foothills of the mountain ranges include Sahastradhara, [[Lakhamandal]], Gautam Kund, [[Chandrabani]], [[Kalsi]] and [[Dakpathar]].

This district is divided into two major parts: the main city Dehradun surrounded by Shivalik and the Jaunsar-Bawar, which is in the foothills of Himalayas. In the north and northwest it borders on the district of [[Uttarkashi district|Uttarkashi]] and [[Tehri Garhwal district|Tehri Garhwal]], in the east and southeast by [[Pauri Garhwal district|Pauri Garhwal]] and [[Ganges]] river, in the west, it is bordered by [[Shimla district|Shimla]] and [[Sirmaur district|Sirmaur]] districts of [[Himachal Pradesh]], [[Yamunanagar district|Yamunanagar]] district of [[Haryana]] and the [[Tons river|Tons]] and [[Yamuna]] rivers. To the south are [[Haridwar district|Haridwar]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]]'s [[Saharanpur district]]. It is between latitudes 30°01' N and 31°2'N and longitudes 77°34' E and 78°18'E.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://210.212.78.56/dehradun/English/altitude.html |title=Altitude |access-date=26 March 2011 |publisher=Dehradun |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602215923/http://210.212.78.56/dehradun/English/altitude.html |archive-date=2 June 2008 }}</ref> This district consists of six tehsils – Dehradun, Chakrata, Vikasnagar, Kalsi, Tiuni and Rishikesh – six community development blocks – Vis, Chakrata, Kalsi, Vikasnagar, Sahaspur, Rajpur and Doiwala – 17 towns and 764 villages. Out of these 746 villages are inhabited; 18 are uninhabited.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://dehradun.nic.in/glance.htm#TOWNS,%20VILLAGES%20AND%20AMENITIES |title= Important District Indicators |access-date=26 March 2011 |publisher=Dehradun |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721171449/http://dehradun.nic.in/glance.htm |archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

===Heritage canal network===
{{main|Dehradun canals}}
There was once an extensive canal network in the city, which irrigated many surrounding villages and produced a cooler microclimate in the region. The earliest canal, Rajpur canal, was laid in the 17th century but after Dehradun became the state capital in 2000, most of the heritage canals were covered or demolished to widen the city roads.<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 March 2020|first=Kautilya|last=Singh|title=How 'City of Canals' lost its tag|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/how-city-of-canals-lost-its-tag/articleshow/74446926.cms|access-date=13 November 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=21 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821205200/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/how-city-of-canals-lost-its-tag/articleshow/74446926.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>  Within 15 years after becoming state capital, almost all of the canal system across Dehradun city has been demolished or covered. Outskirts of dehradun and around lacchiwala, Maldevta. etc still have a few canal systems uncoverd. Environmental groups have campaigned for the revival of the network, citing its benefit for the city's [[ecology]], aesthetics, microclimate and [[built environment]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-missing-canals-of-dun/articleshow/71150406.cms|title=The missing canals of Dun - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 July 2020|archive-date=22 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822025401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/the-missing-canals-of-dun/articleshow/71150406.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
[[File:A cloudy view of dehradun.jpg|thumb|A cloudy view of Rajpur Town, Dehradun]]
The climate of Dehradun is [[humid subtropical]] (Cwa). The city is in Doon Valley and temperature variations due to difference in elevation are considerable.<ref name="Difference">{{cite web |title=Climate |url=https://dehradun.nic.in/climate/ |publisher=Government of Uttarakhand |access-date=24 October 2020 |archive-date=30 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030174400/https://dehradun.nic.in/climate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the hilly regions, the summer is pleasant. But in the Doon, the heat is in rare cases, intense and summer temperatures can reach up to {{cvt|40|°C}} for a few days and hot winds (called [[Loo (wind)|Loo]]) blows over North India. Winter temperature drops below freezing point and is usually between {{cvt|6 and 20|°C}}. Although the temperature in Dehradun can reach below freezing during severe cold snaps,<ref>{{cite web |date=8 January 2013 |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=786301 |title=Cold Wave Claims 29 Lives in North India |website=Outlook india.com |access-date=8 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213155227/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=786301 |archive-date=13 December 2013}}</ref> this is not common. The area receives an average annual rainfall of {{cvt|2073.3|mm}}. Most of the annual rainfall in the city is received during the months from June to September, July and August being rainiest. During the [[monsoon]] season, there is often heavy and protracted rainfall. Agriculture benefits from fertile alluvial soil, adequate drainage and plentiful rain.
{{Weather box
| location = Dehradun (1991–2020, extremes 1901–present)
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| Jan record high C = 28.6
| Feb record high C = 31.2
| Mar record high C = 37.2
| Apr record high C = 40.8
| May record high C = 43.1
| Jun record high C = 43.9
| Jul record high C = 40.6
| Aug record high C = 37.2
| Sep record high C = 36.6
| Oct record high C = 36.1
| Nov record high C = 31.0
| Dec record high C = 28.7
| year record high C = 43.9
| Jan high C = 19.7
| Feb high C = 22.5
| Mar high C = 27.4
| Apr high C = 32.5
| May high C = 35.3
| Jun high C = 34.1
| Jul high C = 30.6
| Aug high C = 30.1
| Sep high C = 30.1
| Oct high C = 29.0
| Nov high C = 25.5
| Dec high C = 21.7
| year high C = 28.2
|Jan mean C = 12.7
|Feb mean C = 15.6
|Mar mean C = 20.1
|Apr mean C = 25.2
|May mean C = 28.4
|Jun mean C = 28.6
|Jul mean C = 26.9
|Aug mean C = 26.5
|Sep mean C = 25.5
|Oct mean C = 22.8
|Nov mean C = 18.4
|Dec mean C = 14.4
| Jan low C = 6.6
| Feb low C = 9.2
| Mar low C = 13.1
| Apr low C = 17.4
| May low C = 21.2
| Jun low C = 23.2
| Jul low C = 23.6
| Aug low C = 23.1
| Sep low C = 21.3
| Oct low C = 16.3
| Nov low C = 11.4
| Dec low C = 7.6
| year low C = 16.1
| Jan record low C = -1.1
| Feb record low C = -1.1
| Mar record low C = 2.2
| Apr record low C = 7.2
| May record low C = 11.4
| Jun record low C = 13.1
| Jul record low C = 12.8
| Aug record low C = 12.4
| Sep record low C = 12.8
| Oct record low C = 8.4
| Nov record low C = 2.8
| Dec record low C = 0.0
| year record low C = -1.1
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 43.5
| Feb rain mm = 57.9
| Mar rain mm = 45.8
| Apr rain mm = 32.9
| May rain mm = 51.4
| Jun rain mm = 231.1
| Jul rain mm = 621.6
| Aug rain mm = 714.9
| Sep rain mm = 305.9
| Oct rain mm = 38.3
| Nov rain mm = 5.2
| Dec rain mm = 13.0
| year rain mm = 2161.5
| Jan rain days = 2.8
| Feb rain days = 3.8
| Mar rain days = 3.2
| Apr rain days = 2.7
| May rain days = 3.8
| Jun rain days = 10.3
| Jul rain days = 20.5
| Aug rain days = 21.6
| Sep rain days = 12.0
| Oct rain days = 2.1
| Nov rain days = 0.4
| Dec rain days = 1.1
| year rain days = 84.1
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 66
| Feb humidity = 56
| Mar humidity = 45
| Apr humidity = 35
| May humidity = 37
| Jun humidity = 55
| Jul humidity = 79
| Aug humidity = 83
| Sep humidity = 77
| Oct humidity = 66
| Nov humidity = 68
| Dec humidity = 69
|year humidity = 62
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = 8 April 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Dehra Dun Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 233–234
| access-date = 15 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M25
| access-date = 15 February 2020}}</ref>
|source 2 = Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)<ref name=TCC1>
{{cite web
| url = https://ds.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/tcc/tcc/products/climate/normal/parts/NrmMonth_e.php?stn=42111
| title = Normals Data: Dehradun – India Latitude: 30.32°N Longitude: 78.03°E Height: 683 (m)
| publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency
| access-date = 1 December 2022}}</ref>
}}Dehradun has been ranked 37th best “National Clean Air City” under (Category 2 3-10L Population cities) in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Dehradun City (2011)<ref name="Religion">{{cite web|author=Government of India|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW05C-01%20MDDS.XLS|title=2011 Census|website=Census of India|access-date=26 August 2015|archive-date=13 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913151009/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW05C-01%20MDDS.XLS|url-status=live}}</ref>
|label1 = [[Hinduism]]
|value1 = 82.53
|color1 = DarkOrange
|label2 = [[Islam]]
|value2 = 11.75
|color2 = green
|label3 = [[Sikhism]]
|value3 = 3.50
|color3 = darkkhaki
|label4 = [[Christianity]]
|value4 = 1.06
|color4 = Blue
|label5 = [[Buddhism]]
|value5 = 0.29
|color5 = Gold
|label6 = [[Jainism]]
|value6 = 0.63
|color6 = Pink
|label7 = Others
|value7 = 0.01
|color7 = Grey
|label8 = Not Stated
|value8 = 0.24
|color8 = Black
}}

The [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] reported a population of 578,420 in Dehradun city;<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove /> male and female are 303,411 and 275,009 respectively. The sex ratio of the city is 906 per 1000 males.<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove /> Natives of Uttarakhand form the majority of Dehradun's population. The sex ratio of the city is 907 females per 1000 males and child sex ratio of 873 girls per 1000 boys, lower than the national average.<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove /> The number of children of age under six in Dehradun city was 80,180 as per figure from Census India report on 2011. There are 50,600 boys and 28,580 are girls.<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove />  Total numbers of slums in Dehradun city and its Out Growth numbers 32,861 in which population of 158,542 resides. This is around 27.58% of total population of Dehradun city & its outgrowth which is 574,840.

[[Hindi]], the official state language, is the primary language in Dehradun. Native regional languages include [[Garhwali language|Garhwali]], [[Jaunsari language|Jaunsari]] and [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]].<ref name="Ethno_Gbm" /><ref name="Ethno_Jns" /> Other major languages are [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=censusindia.gov.in|access-date=28 August 2018|archive-date=16 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716072837/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language_MTs.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Town level |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0500.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=11 August 2020 |archive-date=3 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103111604/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-0500.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref> Hindus form the majority of Dehradun's population; Muslims compose a large minority. According to provisional results of the 2011 national census, [[Hinduism]] is majority religion in Dehradun city with 82.53% followers. [[Islam]] is the second most practised religion in the city with approximately 11.75% following it. [[Sikhism]] by 3.5%, [[Christianity in India|Christianity]] is followed by 1.06%, [[Jainism in India|Jainism]] by 0.63%, and [[Buddhism in India|Buddhism]] by 0.29%. Around 0.01% stated 'Other Religion', approximately 0.24% stated 'No Particular Religion'.<ref name="Religion"/>

Dehradun's literacy rate at 89.32% is the highest in the region. Male literacy is 92.65% and female literacy is 85.66%. The number of literates in Dehradun city is 463,791, of which 251,832 are males and 211,959 are females.<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove />

==Government and politics==
As capital of the state of Uttarakhand, Dehradun houses important state government facilities such as the offices of the local governing agencies, the [[Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly|Vidhan Sabha]] (the home of the Uttarakhand state legislature), and [[Raj Bhavan, Dehradun|Raj Bhavan]] (the residence of the governor of Uttarakhand). Most government establishments and institutions are housed in the city.

Dehradun city falls in Garhwal division of Uttarakhand which is headed by the [[Divisional Commissioner (India)|divisional commissioner]] of Dehradun, who is an [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS) officer of high seniority. The [[District collector (India)|district magistrate and collector]] of Dehradun<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chief Electoral Officer, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=https://ceo.uk.gov.in/pages/view/104/135-list-of-district-magistrates-collectors---deputy-commissioners|access-date=31 August 2020|website=ceo.uk.gov.in|archive-date=8 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808052453/https://ceo.uk.gov.in/pages/view/104/135-list-of-district-magistrates-collectors---deputy-commissioners|url-status=live}}</ref> report to the [[Divisional Commissioner (India)|divisional commissioner]] as well. The DM is assisted by a chief development officer; five additional district magistrates for finance/revenue, city, rural administration, land acquisition and civil supply. The city is represented in two Lok Sabha constituencies, of [[Tehri Garhwal (Lok Sabha constituency)|Tehri Garhwal]] by MP [[Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah]] from the [[BJP]], and Garhwal represented by BJP's [[Tirath Singh Rawat]], elected in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 May 2019|title=Uttarakhand Lok Sabha election results: Full list of winners|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/elections/uttarakhand-lok-sabha-election-result-2019-full-list-of-winners-mps/1581268/|access-date=30 October 2020|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102143154/https://www.financialexpress.com/elections/uttarakhand-lok-sabha-election-result-2019-full-list-of-winners-mps/1581268/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city is also represented by four MLAs elected from four state assembly constituencies, as per the 2008 delimitation:<ref>{{Cite web|title=2008 Delimitation|url=http://upload.indiacode.nic.in/showfile?actid=AC_CEN_3_20_00030_200233_1517807324510&type=order&filename=Delimitation%20Order,2008.pdf|access-date=27 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023200316/https://upload.indiacode.nic.in/showfile?actid=AC_CEN_3_20_00030_200233_1517807324510&type=order&filename=Delimitation%20Order,2008.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Delimitation of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies Order - 2008|url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/3931-delimitation-of-parliamentary-assembly-constituencies-order-2008/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414013302/http://ceo.uk.gov.in/files/oversease%20election/Gazette_Delimitation_eng.pdf|archive-date=14 April 2016}}</ref>

===Civic administration===
{{see also|Dehradun Municipal Corporation}}
[[File:Nagar Nigam Dehradun.jpg|thumb|The Municipality office of Dehradun City]]
Nagar Nigam Dehradun, also called [[Dehradun Municipal Corporation]], is the local government of the city. The corporation originated in 1998. Prior to December 2003, this body was known as Dehradun Municipal Council, and after revamping the municipality, the Dehradun Municipal Corporation came into existence under the Uttarakhand (The Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959) (Amendment) Act, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Uttarakhand (The Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959) (Amendment) Act, 2017|url=http://www.bareactslive.com/UTR/utr059.htm#0|access-date=30 October 2020|website=www.bareactslive.com|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702022451/http://www.bareactslive.com/UTR/utr059.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2018, the municipality covers an area of {{cvt|196.48|sqkm}} and administers a population of 803,983.<ref name='Dehradoon City'>{{cite web|title=About Nagar Nigam Dehradun|url=https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/about-us.php|access-date=19 November 2020|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106160857/https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/about-us.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="area">{{Cite web|title=Census of India - Uttarakhand - Town Amenities (Row 27, Column 24)|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0505_PART_A_DCHB_DEHRADUN.pdf|page=391|access-date=20 October 2020|website=Census of India|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117163106/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0505_PART_A_DCHB_DEHRADUN.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Census India|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|access-date=30 October 2020|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023003552/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, with the inclusion of 72 adjoining villages in the DMC limits, the number of wards increased from 60 to 100.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 December 2017|title=Doon the biggest gainer as Uttarakhand fixes population criteria for corporator seats|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/doon-the-biggest-gainer-as-uttarakhand-fixes-population-criteria-for-corporator-seats/story-lXpxq3tgP6aDYyw8GnVZHL.html|access-date=30 October 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174056/https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/doon-the-biggest-gainer-as-uttarakhand-fixes-population-criteria-for-corporator-seats/story-lXpxq3tgP6aDYyw8GnVZHL.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2020, the corporation consists of 100 wards and the elected head is the [[mayor]] who presides over a deputy mayor and 99 other [[councillor|corporators]] representing the wards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nagrika - What is a City Government?|url=http://www.nagrika.org/nagrikalarticles/citygovernment|access-date=29 June 2020|website=Nagrika|date=26 May 2020 |language=en-US|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626092326/http://www.nagrika.org/nagrikalarticles/citygovernment|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nagar Nigam|url=https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/ward-detail-parasiman.php|access-date=30 October 2020|website=nagarnigamdehradun.com|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920131944/https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/ward-detail-parasiman.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[mayor]] is directly elected for a period of five years and as of January 2025 is Saurabh Thapliyal from BJP.<ref>{{cite news |title=Saurabh Thapliyal assumes charge as Mayor, lists better traffic management as priority |url=https://garhwalpost.in/saurabh-thapliyal-assumes-charge-as-mayor-lists-better-traffic-management-as-priority/ |work=Garhwal Post |date=12 February 2025 |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref>

The [[municipal commissioner]] is the executive head of the local government institutions (the [[Municipal Corporation (India)|municipal corporation]]) in the division, in charge of infrastructure development in his division, and is also responsible for maintaining law and order in the division. As of 2020, the municipal commissioner is Vinay Shankar Pandey while the deputy municipal commissioner is Soniya Pant.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nagar Nigam|url=https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/whos.php|access-date=30 October 2020|website=nagarnigamdehradun.com|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030113517/https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/whos.php|url-status=live}}</ref> The corporation has the following departments: public works, property tax, health, street lights, project implementation unit, Information Technology and sanitation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nagar Nigam|url=https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/index.php|access-date=30 October 2020|website=nagarnigamdehradun.com|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629115937/https://nagarnigamdehradun.com/index.php|url-status=live}}</ref> As per the ASICS report 2017, Dehradun municipality generates very few of its own revenues and relies primarily on grants from the state government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Annual Survey of India's City-Systems - Evaluation of Dehradun's Urban Governance Systems|url=http://www.janaagraha.org/files/publications/dehradun-city-report.pdf|access-date=30 October 2020|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102124310/http://www.janaagraha.org/files/publications/dehradun-city-report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The municipality collects revenue from property taxes and parking fees.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pioneer|first=The|title=MCD to reopen for public from Monday|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/mcd-to-reopen-for-public-from-monday.html|access-date=30 October 2020|website=The Pioneer|language=en|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102143120/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/mcd-to-reopen-for-public-from-monday.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pioneer|first=The|title=Authorities to be liable for mishaps on GDMC route for allowing parking on both sides|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/---authorities-to-be-liable-for-mishaps-on-gdmc-route-for-allowing-parking-on-both-sides---.html|access-date=30 October 2020|website=The Pioneer|language=en|archive-date=2 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102195833/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/---authorities-to-be-liable-for-mishaps-on-gdmc-route-for-allowing-parking-on-both-sides---.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pioneer|first=The|title=MCD has no record of the taxpayers in Doon|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/mcd-has-no-record-of-the-taxpayers-in-doon.html|access-date=30 October 2020|website=The Pioneer|language=en|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101171715/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/mcd-has-no-record-of-the-taxpayers-in-doon.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other urban entities involved in civic services and city governance and management include [[Para-statals|parastatals]] like the [[Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority]] (MDDA), Special Area Development Authority (SADA), Jal Sansthan, and Jal Nigam among others. These oversee the city's civic infrastructure which comes under [[List of cities in Uttarakhand by population#Urban Agglomeration|Dehradun Urban Agglomeration]] and covers a population of 714,223 according to the 2011 census.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Census India 2011 - UA Cities 1 Lakh and above|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|access-date=30 October 2020|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301131224/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Police administration ===
The headquarters of [[Uttarakhand Police]] are located in Dehradun.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Organisational Setup: Organisational Setup|url=https://uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in/pages/display/118-organisational-setup|access-date=30 October 2020|website=uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101010120/https://uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in/pages/display/118-organisational-setup|url-status=live}}</ref> While the state is headed by the [[Director general of police]], the district is headed by Deputy inspector general of police (DIG) Garhwal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who's Who: who's who|url=https://uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in/pages/display/173-whos-who|access-date=30 October 2020|website=uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101015430/https://uttarakhandpolice.uk.gov.in/pages/display/173-whos-who|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Police Department {{!}} District Dehradun {{!}} India|url=https://dehradun.nic.in/police-department/|access-date=30 October 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101003443/https://dehradun.nic.in/police-department/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city's nodal police officer is the [[Superintendent of police (India)|superintendent of police]] (SP City)<ref>{{Cite news|date=23 October 2020|first=Gaurav|last=Talwar|title=Dehrandun police arrest sharpshooter of notorious 'Jeeva gang' {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/doon-police-arrest-sharpshooter-of-notorious-jeeva-gang/articleshow/78814430.cms|access-date=30 October 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=24 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024212748/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/doon-police-arrest-sharpshooter-of-notorious-jeeva-gang/articleshow/78814430.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> who reports to the [[Superintendent of police (India)|senior superintendent of police]] (SSP) who also holds the post of [[Deputy inspector general of police|DIG]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Post|first=Garhwal|title=Arun Joshi to stay as SSP, Dehradun, even after promotion {{!}} Garhwal Post|date=31 December 2019 |url=http://garhwalpost.in/arun-joshi-to-stay-as-ssp-dehradun-even-after-promotion/|access-date=30 October 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106123725/http://garhwalpost.in/arun-joshi-to-stay-as-ssp-dehradun-even-after-promotion/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Dehradun falls under the Lucknow zone of the Chief Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is part of the central government.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Central Bureau of Investigation|url=http://www.cbi.gov.in/network.php#ddn|access-date=13 November 2020|website=www.cbi.gov.in|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126230833/http://www.cbi.gov.in/network.php#ddn|url-status=live}}</ref> Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACB) Dehradun, has jurisdiction over 13 districts in Uttarakhand.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Central Bureau of Investigation|url=http://cbi.gov.in/rt_infoact/cpio_appnt.php|access-date=13 November 2020|website=cbi.gov.in|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719093944/http://cbi.gov.in/rt_infoact/cpio_appnt.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":5" />

== Civic utilities ==

=== Water supply ===
Dehradun city receives potable water from two primary sources- surface water and groundwater to meet its supply needs.<ref name="potable">{{cite web|title=Understanding Water Flows in Dehradun|url=https://www.devalt.org/images/L2_ProjectPdfs/Understanding_Waterflows_In_Dehradun_HBF.pdf?Oid=211|access-date=7 June 2020|publisher=Development Alternatives|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607154549/https://www.devalt.org/images/L2_ProjectPdfs/Understanding_Waterflows_In_Dehradun_HBF.pdf?Oid=211|url-status=live}}</ref> The sources of water were mainly from Kaulu khet Spring, Maussifall, Bindal River, [[Bijapur canal]] and more than 100 tubewells.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|date=10 February 2015|first1=Shivani|last1=Azad|title=City's 165MLD waste has no treatment facilities {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Citys-165MLD-waste-has-no-treatment-facilities/articleshow/46187782.cms|access-date=21 August 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=31 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031160803/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Citys-165MLD-waste-has-no-treatment-facilities/articleshow/46187782.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> It suffers from lack of sufficient ground water recharge and depleting ground water tables.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=21 August 2020|title=Understanding Water Flows in Dehradun|url=https://www.devalt.org/images/L2_ProjectPdfs/Understanding_Waterflows_In_Dehradun_HBF.pdf?Oid=211#:~:text=Currently%2C%20there%20are%204%20Sewage,installed%20capacity%20of%2029%20MLD.|access-date=7 June 2020|archive-date=7 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607154549/https://www.devalt.org/images/L2_ProjectPdfs/Understanding_Waterflows_In_Dehradun_HBF.pdf?Oid=211#:~:text=Currently%2C%20there%20are%204%20Sewage,installed%20capacity%20of%2029%20MLD.|url-status=live}}</ref> The water supply of Dehradun is operated and maintained by Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS),<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=22 May 2017|title=Hoteliers seek govt help as sewage deadline ends|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/hoteliers-seek-govt-help-as-sewage-deadline-ends/story-aY5TDZ8FeZiquawXqX1XOP.html|access-date=21 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106112254/http://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/hoteliers-seek-govt-help-as-sewage-deadline-ends/story-aY5TDZ8FeZiquawXqX1XOP.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a state agency.

=== Solid waste management, sewerage ===
The sewage<ref name=":3" /> of Dehradun is operated and maintained by Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) but is also selectively under the aegis of the Smart City project funded by the central government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Welcome to Dehradun Smart City Limited, Dehradun|url=http://smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in/sewerage-line-project|access-date=21 August 2020|website=smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804223647/http://smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in/sewerage-line-project|url-status=live}}</ref> As per a report from 2015, only 25% of the city is covered by the existing sewage system.<ref name=":1" /> According to the Smart Cities Annexe 2, the sewerage covers 30% of the city, and has an efficiency of 10%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dehradun Smart City Proposal Annexure II |url=http://smartcities.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Annexures_Dehradun.pdf |website=smartcities.gov.in |access-date=22 January 2021}}</ref>

The city of Dehradun generates {{convert|350|MT|kg ST}} of waste per day.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=NIUA - SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN URBAN INDIA|url=https://sbm.niua.org/sites/all/themes/bootstrap_sub_theme/word%20files/Report_for_Web.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021125101/https://sbm.niua.org/sites/all/themes/bootstrap_sub_theme/word%20files/Report_for_Web.pdf|archive-date=21 October 2020|access-date=21 October 2020|website=National Institute of Urban Affairs}}</ref> The landfill or dumping site has since shifted from the dumping ground on Sahastradhara<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 February 2020|first1=Mohammad|last1=Anab|title=DMC to clean up Sahastradhara dumping ground {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/dmc-to-clean-up-sahastradhara-dumping-ground/articleshow/74290080.cms|access-date=21 August 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174055/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/dmc-to-clean-up-sahastradhara-dumping-ground/articleshow/74290080.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=26 December 2017|title=Dehradun dump site may take long time to be shut scientifically: Expert|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/dehradun-dump-site-may-take-long-time-to-be-shut-scientifically-expert/story-MGj3na76ld1KHOiKEQLa7O.html|access-date=21 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=4 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104020556/http://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/dehradun-dump-site-may-take-long-time-to-be-shut-scientifically-expert/story-MGj3na76ld1KHOiKEQLa7O.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pioneer|first=The|title=Residents upset with old trenching ground|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/residents-upset-with-old-trenching-ground.html|access-date=21 August 2020|website=The Pioneer|language=en|archive-date=25 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125115659/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/residents-upset-with-old-trenching-ground.html|url-status=live}}</ref> road in 2017<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|title=Sanitation Park Nathuwawala, Dehradun: A Study of Solid Waste Management in Uttarakhand|url=http://cwejournal.org/vol15no1/sanitation-park-nathuwawala--dehradun--a-study-of-solid-waste-management-in-uttarakhand/|journal=Current World Environment|volume=15|issue=1|access-date=21 August 2020|archive-date=5 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505051656/http://cwejournal.org/vol15no1/sanitation-park-nathuwawala--dehradun--a-study-of-solid-waste-management-in-uttarakhand/|url-status=live}}</ref> to one centralised solid waste processing plant in Dehradun, Shishambara<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 July 2015|first1=Shivani|last1=Azad|title=State govt okays Sheeshambara as waste disposal site|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/State-govt-okays-Sheeshambara-as-waste-disposal-site/articleshow/48257289.cms|access-date=21 August 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174056/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/State-govt-okays-Sheeshambara-as-waste-disposal-site/articleshow/48257289.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> on the outskirts of the city which has the capacity of 600 MP per day.<ref name=":4" /> Only 69 of the 100 wards in the city are covered by this plant<ref name=":2" /> and only 3% of the wards in Dehradun have 100% segregation of waste at source.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 March 2018|title=Uttarakhand generates 1,406 tonne solid waste daily, but processing is zero|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-generates-1-406-tonne-solid-waste-daily-but-processing-is-zero/story-47oR4P7WxHqjpVwYJvWIMJ.html|access-date=21 August 2020|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804090229/https://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-generates-1-406-tonne-solid-waste-daily-but-processing-is-zero/story-47oR4P7WxHqjpVwYJvWIMJ.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Segregation of waste at source is lacking in the city, although the municipality spends around one crore per month on collection and transportation of solid waste.<ref name=":4" /> A decentralised pilot project was started in Nathuwala ward with the help of local residents and an NGO called Feedback Foundation and has since been declared a zero waste zone.<ref name=":2" />

Electricity in Dehradun is regulated through the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), while Fire services are handled by the Uttarakhand Fire and Emergency Services. State-owned [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited]], or BSNL, as well as private enterprises, among them [[Vodafone India|Vodafone]], [[Bharti Airtel]], [[Reliance Communications|Reliance]], [[Idea Cellular]], and [[Tata Teleservices]] are the leading telephone and cell phone service providers in the city.

===Public health===
The healthcare facilities in Dehradun consist of private and public hospitals, formal and informal service providers as well as secondary and tertiary healthcare with single clinic doctors. In spite of having special status under the [[National Health Mission]], the city is facing a healthcare crisis due to the shortage of medical manpower in the state and financial constraints. Hospitals and medical centres in the Dehradun are plagued by non-functioning equipment in the operating theatre and the insufficient number of labour rooms.<ref name="crisis">{{cite news |last1=Shekhawat |first1=Rahul Singh |title=Uttarakhand healthcare crisis: Citizens face shortage of doctors, crumbling infrastructure as BJP's PPP model fails to deliver |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/uttarakhand-healthcare-crisis-citizens-face-shortage-of-doctors-crumbling-infrastructure-as-bjps-ppp-model-fails-to-deliver-6416151.html |access-date=6 June 2020 |work=Firstpost |agency=Network 18 |date=3 May 2019 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807210700/https://www.firstpost.com/india/uttarakhand-healthcare-crisis-citizens-face-shortage-of-doctors-crumbling-infrastructure-as-bjps-ppp-model-fails-to-deliver-6416151.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Hospitals in the city include the Doon Hospital, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shri Mahant Indresh Hospital, Himalayan Hospital, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic Hospital, Combined Medical Institute (CMI) Hospital, Luthra Hospital, and Government Hospital Premnagar (managed by the state government).

==Education==
=== Schools ===
[[File:The Doon School.jpg|thumb|Main Building of [[The Doon School]]]]
Schools in Dehradun are classified as aided, unaided and Government schools. These schools are affiliated with [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]], [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education]] (ICSE) or [[CISCE]]; except for the government schools, which are run directly by the [[Uttarakhand Board of School Education]] and follow the syllabus prescribed by the [[Government of Uttarakhand|state government]]. The language of instruction in schools is either English or Hindi.

Uttarakhand Board of School Education is responsible for administering courses of instructions, textbooks, and to conduct examinations for secondary school students of the state. The board was set up in 2001 and is headquartered in [[Ramnagar, Nainital|Ramnagar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=उत्‍तराखण्‍ड विदयालयी शिक्षा परिषद रामनगर (नैनीताल) की पृष्‍ठभूमि |url=https://ubse.uk.gov.in/ |website=Home: Board Of School Education Uttarakhand, Government Of Uttarakhand, India |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref>

Dehradun is known as "a town of schools".<ref name="Tribune_2019">{{cite news |last1=Chopra |first1=Jaskiran |title=Dehradun's journey to town of schools, with Miss Oliphant |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/features/dehradun-s-journey-to-town-of-schools-with-miss-oliphant-835501 |access-date=5 April 2023 |work=The Tribune |date=22 September 2019}}</ref> Notable private educational institutions in Dehradun include [[The Asian School]], [[Cambrian Hall]], [[Colonel Brown Cambridge School]], [[Convent of Jesus and Mary]], [[The Doon School]], [[Ecole Globale International Girls' School]], [[Marshall School, Dehradun|Marshall School]], [[Rashtriya Indian Military College]], [[SelaQui International School]], [[St Joseph's Academy, Dehradun]], [[St. Thomas' College, Dehradun|St. Thomas' College]], [[Welham Boys' School]] and [[Welham Girls' School]], [[Indian Army Public Schools]]. Several Indian and international luminaries have attended these schools. In addition to these schools there are many other state board schools located in the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Joseph Academy |url=https://stjosephacademy.in/ |website=St. Joseph Academy |access-date=7 March 2019 |archive-date=7 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173855/https://stjosephacademy.in/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since Dehradun has many central Government offices, there are as many as 12 [[Kendriya Vidyalayas]] also in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/schools/kendriya-vidyalayas-in-dehradun|title=Kendriya Vidyalayas in Dehradun - KVs in Dehradun - Kendriya Vidyalaya|website=euttaranchal.com|language=en-US|access-date=13 September 2018|date=19 March 2013|archive-date=13 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913150203/https://www.euttaranchal.com/schools/kendriya-vidyalayas-in-dehradun|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Higher education and research ===
[[File:Front View of F.R.I., Dehradun.jpg|alt=Forest Research Institute, Dehradun|thumb|Front view of [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]]]]
After completing their secondary education, students typically enrol in schools that have a higher secondary facility and are affiliated with the Directorate of higher education, the [[Indian Certificate of Secondary Education|ICSE]], or the [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]]. The colleges are each affiliated with a university or institution based either in Uttarakhand or elsewhere in India. In recent times, Dehradun has evolved as a pivot location for higher education in India. Premier research institutes based in Dehradun are [[Doon University]], [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]], [[DIT University|Dehradun Institute of Technology (DIT)]], [[Indian Institute of Remote Sensing]], [[Indian Institute of Petroleum]], [[Himgiri Zee University]], [[Navdanya (NGO)|Navdanya]], [[Wildlife Institute of India]], [[Instruments Research and Development Establishment]] and [[Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology]]. Universities located in Dehradun are [[Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University]], Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, [[Uttaranchal University]], [[Doon University]], [[ICFAI University, Dehradun|Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University, Dehradun]], [[University of Petroleum and Energy Studies]], [[Swami Rama Himalayan University]], [[Graphic Era University]] and [[Uttarakhand Technical University]].

Uttarakhand Technical University has eight constituent institutes<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uktech.ac.in/constituent-institutes/|title=Constituent Institutes|publisher=Uttarakhand Technical University|website=uktech.ac.in|date=16 June 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=18 January 2021|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326004810/https://uktech.ac.in/constituent-institutes/|url-status=live}}</ref> and approximately 132 affiliated colleges<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uktech.ac.in/affiliated-institutes/|title=Affiliated Institutes|publisher=Uttarakhand Technical University|website=uktech.ac.in|language=en-US|access-date=18 January 2021|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326004824/https://uktech.ac.in/affiliated-institutes/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The campus of  [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]] which was established in the year 1906 hosts the [[Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy]] (IGNFA), the staff college that trains officers selected for the Indian Forest Service (IFS). [[Wildlife Institute of India]] (WII) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate change, Government of India which carries out wildlife research.

Dehradun has four medical colleges. [[Government Doon Medical College]] is the only government medical college located in the city.  Private medical colleges include [[Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences]] affiliated to [[Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University]] and Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences affiliated to [[Swami Rama Himalayan University]]. These three medical colleges caters to the population of Dehradun and nearby hilly areas.
National Institute for Empowerment of People with Visual Disabilities<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nivh.lima-city.de/|title=National Institute for Empowerment of People with Visual Disabilities|language=de|access-date=31 January 2018|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115094744/http://www.nivh.lima-city.de/|url-status=live}}</ref> (NIEPVD) plays a key role in helping blind people. It is the first such institute in India and the first press for [[Braille]] script in the country<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rehabcouncil.nic.in/programmes/study_center.htm |title=Post Graduate Professional Certificate Course in Special Education Distance Education Programme (PGPC-SEDE) |access-date=26 March 2011 |publisher=Rehabilitation Council of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110223145807/http://rehabcouncil.nic.in/programmes/study_center.htm |archive-date=23 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which provides education and service to the blind children. Dehradun houses organisations like the Latika Roy Foundation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latikaroy.org/|title=Latika Roy Foundation|publisher=Latikaroy.org|access-date=8 December 2014|archive-date=10 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210160239/http://latikaroy.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> for people with disabilities to access education, employment, and full inclusion in the community. The ASK Foundation, an educational charity, is also located in Dehradun.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://askfound.org/|title=Home Tuition – Home|publisher=Askfound.org|access-date=8 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716114422/http://askfound.org/|archive-date=16 July 2014}}</ref>

Notable scholars who were born, worked or studied in Dehradun include former prime minister [[Rajiv Gandhi]], scientists [[Manju Bansal]] and [[Chandramukhi Basu]], writer [[William McKay Aitken]], poet [[Kanwal Ziai]], [[Germany|German]]-British [[botanist]] [[Dietrich Brandis]], footballer [[Anirudh Thapa]], and [[Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry|DICCI]] member [[Rajesh Saraiya]].

==Economy==
[[File:Central Braille Press, Dehradun (photo - Jim Ankan Deka).jpg|thumb|Central Braille Press, Dehradun – the first [[Braille]] press of India]]
The main source of economy in Dehradun is its [[Tourism in Uttarakhand|tourist places]]. The city's economy is enhanced by the presence of nearby national parks, mountain peaks and historical sites. Dehradun has a per capita income close to $2,993 (per 2020 figures). It has witnessed a strong economic growth in the last 20 years.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20210916153914/https://www.dehradunbn.com/dehradun-economy/ Article title]}}</ref> Dehradun has experienced a commercial and information technology upswing, amplified by the establishment of software technology parks of India (STPI)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dehradun.stpi.in|title=STPI homepage|publisher=Dehradun.stpi.in|access-date=8 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227054508/http://www.dehradun.stpi.in/|archive-date=27 December 2014}}</ref> and SEZs ([[Special economic zones]]) throughout.

The largest profession in Dehradun is agriculture. Staple foods are rice and dal with raita, curd and salad. Dehradun is known for its lychees and for growing the world's finest basmati rice.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 June 2020|first=Shivani|last=Azad|title=Bats descend on litchi orchards, give Doon residents sleepless nights|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/bats-descend-on-litchi-orchards-give-doon-residents-sleepless-nights/articleshow/76393430.cms|access-date=13 November 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108205456/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/bats-descend-on-litchi-orchards-give-doon-residents-sleepless-nights/articleshow/76393430.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 February 2020|title=Vanishing landscape of 'smart city' Dehradun|url=https://india.mongabay.com/2020/02/vanishing-landscape-of-smart-city-dehradun/|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Mongabay-India|language=en-US|archive-date=21 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921044333/https://india.mongabay.com/2020/02/vanishing-landscape-of-smart-city-dehradun/|url-status=live}}</ref>

It hosts training institutions of national importance such as the [[Indian Military Academy]], [[Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy]] (IGNFA), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). It is home to national foundations such as the Ordnance Factory Dehradun, [[Instruments Research and Development Establishment]] (IRDE), [[Defence Electronics Application Laboratory]] (DEAL) and other defence establishments. Other institutions include the [[Indian Institute of Petroleum]], National Institute for Visually Handicapped, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research & Training Institute, [[Oil and Natural Gas Corporation]] (Keshav Dev Malviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Institute of Drilling Technology), Uttarakhand Space Applications Centre, [[Survey of India]], [[Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology]], [[Forest Survey of India]] (FSI), [[Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education]] (ICFRE), [[Indian Institute of Remote Sensing]], [[Wildlife Institute of India]], [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]] (FRI), [[Army Cadet College]] and the [[Rashtriya Indian Military College]] (RIMC).<ref>{{cite web |title=Dehradun Map |url=https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/uttaranchal/dehradun.htm |website=MapsofIndia.com |access-date=30 January 2018 |archive-date=31 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131081101/https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/uttaranchal/dehradun.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Major defence production establishments include the Ordnance Factory Dehradun, the Opto Electronics Factory of the [[Ordnance Factories Board]], [[Defence Electronics Application Laboratory]] and [[Instruments Research and Development Establishment]] of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] which manufactures products for the [[Indian Armed Forces]]. Many of these are located in the Raipur area. The Ordnance Factory estate is located in the middle of the mountains.

==Transport==
===Airway===
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Dehradun is served by [[Dehradun Airport]], also known as '''Jolly Grant Airport''' {{Airport codes|DED|VIDN}}, which began its commercial operations in on 30 March 2008. It is located in Jauligrant, 25 km (16 mi) south of the city, 20 km (12 mi) from [[Rishikesh]] and 35 km (22 mi) from [[Haridwar]]. Commercial operations began on 30 March 2008, after the runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft. A new terminal building was inaugurated in February 2009. The current passenger terminal was inaugurated in October 2021. . Over 1,325,931 passengers passed through the airport in 2021–22, making it the [[List of the busiest airports in India|33rd busiest airport]] in India. The airport is to be developed as an international airport, which has caused protests since it would require the felling of trees in the ecologically sensitive area of Thano.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Kautilya |title=Uttarakhand: Jolly Grant to be developed as international airport |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/jolly-grant-to-be-developed-as-intl-airport/articleshow/71746200.cms |access-date=31 August 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=25 October 2019 |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208024709/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/jolly-grant-to-be-developed-as-intl-airport/articleshow/71746200.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=20 October 2020|title=Just Like Aarey, Thousands in Dehradun Unite For 'Chipko Movement' To Save Thano Forest|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/dehradun-people-unite-for-chipko-movement-to-save-thano-forest-525639.html|access-date=27 October 2020|work=IndiaTimes|language=en-IN|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023235913/https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/dehradun-people-unite-for-chipko-movement-to-save-thano-forest-525639.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=19 October 2020|first=Shivani|last=Azad|title='Chipko Movement' revived as hundreds gather against felling 10k trees of premier elephant reserve for Doon airport expansion|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/chipko-movement-revived-as-hundreds-gather-against-felling-10k-trees-of-premier-elephant-reserve-for-doon-airport-expansion/articleshow/78736867.cms|access-date=27 October 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=22 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022161728/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/chipko-movement-revived-as-hundreds-gather-against-felling-10k-trees-of-premier-elephant-reserve-for-doon-airport-expansion/articleshow/78736867.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The airport is also known as the "''Air Gateway of Garhwal"'' and plays an important role in the [[Tourism in Uttarakhand|tourism of Uttarakhand]].{{cn|date=June 2025}}

There is also a helicopter service from Dehradun to [[Chinyalisaur]] a town in [[Uttarkashi district]] and [[Gauchar]].<ref>{{cite news |date=8 February 2020 |title=Uttarakhand: Helicopter service from Dehradun to Uttarkashi begins; here's how much it will cost |language=en |work=www.timesnownews.com |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/uttarakhand-helicopter-service-dehradun-to-uttarkashi-heli-service/551018 |url-status=live |access-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728092230/https://www.timesnownews.com/india/article/uttarakhand-helicopter-service-dehradun-to-uttarkashi-heli-service/551018 |archive-date=28 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Kautilya |date=1 February 2020 |title=Gauchar, Chinyalisaur to be air connected with Dehradun in February |language=en |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/gauchar-chinyalisaur-to-be-air-connected-with-doon-in-feb/articleshow/73814419.cms |url-status=live |access-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728092235/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/gauchar-chinyalisaur-to-be-air-connected-with-doon-in-feb/articleshow/73814419.cms |archive-date=28 July 2020}}</ref>

The nearest [[international airport]] is in [[New Delhi]]

===Railway===
[[Dehradun railway station]] is the city's largest train station. Part of the [[Northern Railways]] (NR) zone, railway station was established in year 1899 by the British, it is the last station on the Northern railway line in the area. The [[Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation]] (IRSDC) is working on the redevelopment of existing railway stations to turn them into world-class travel hubs.

===Roads===
Dehradun lies on the [[National Highway 7 (India)|National Highway 7]], [[National Highway 307 (India)|National Highway 307]] which connects it to states [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[Haryana]], [[Himachal Pradesh]], and [[Uttar Pradesh]]. There are two sets of major roads in Dehradun city, one along NE-SW (Rajpur main road) and the other along with NW-SE (Raipur, Kaulagarh and Chakrata) directions and they, in turn, are connected to another minor road network. There is NH 7 road which connects [[Fazilka]] to [[Mana, Chamoli|Mana]] and on the same highway Shimla Bypass road is there too, which connects Dehradun to [[Shimla]] via [[Paonta Sahib|Poanta Sahib]] and [[Nahan]] directly. The road density is high in the central part of the city around the bus stand and railway station. The [[Uttarakhand Transport Corporation]] (UTC), a [[public sector]] [[passenger]] [[road transport]] [[corporation]] is a major constituent of the transport system in Uttarakhand operates intracity and intercity [[bus service]]. There are also private transport operators operating approximately 3000 buses on non-nationalised routes along with a few interstate routes. Other modes of travel for local inter-city transportation are public transportation buses, [[auto rickshaw]]s and [[cycle rickshaw]]s.

==Culture==
[[File:Tara statue Great Stupa Dehra Dun.jpg|thumb|Statue of Tara and Great Stupa Dehra Dun]]
After becoming the capital, there has been continuous growth in education, communication and transport. As the state capital, Dehradun is home to many government institutions.

City buses are identified with blue bars. There are auto rickshaw which are often used for transportation but blamed for pollution and noise. The evening buzz of Rajpur road is an attraction. The city centre is easily recognised by the [[Clock tower]] (Ghanta Ghar), a structure with four functioning clocks. The statue of San Dijen placed in Shanti Niketan contributes to the beauty of the city.{{fact|date=February 2024}} Dehradun has been home to artists and writers including [[Stephen Alter]], [[Nayantara Sahgal]], [[Allan Sealy]], [[Ruskin Bond]] and also to country singer [[Bobby Cash (singer)|Bobby Cash]].

Dehradun was home to freedom fighters whose names are engraved in gold on the Clock Tower. It was called "The Gray City" in the initial days because ex-Army officers and VIPs considered this place ideal for residence after retirement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://210.212.78.56/dehradun/Hindi/indexcity.html |title=देहरादून |access-date=26 March 2011 |language=hi |trans-title=Dehradun |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921100815/http://210.212.78.56/dehradun/Hindi/indexcity.html |archive-date=21 September 2008 }}</ref>

[[File:GURU RAM RAI DARBAR SAHIB 3.jpg|thumb|Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib]]
There are fairs ([[mela]]s) throughout the year. Notable fairs include Magh Mela, held on 14 January and Jhanda Mela in March,  is celebrated as the birthday of Ram Rai, the eldest son of the seventh Guru of the Sikhs, Har Rai. A massive banner (''jhanda'') is raised during this fair to commemorate his arrival in the Doon Valley on this very day in 1733. The Jhanda Fair is observed on the fifth day of ''[[chaitra]]'', which also falls five days after [[Holi]]. It is held in Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib in Jhanda Bazaar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dehradun Jhanda Mela |url=https://gmvnonline.com/dehradun-jhanda-mela |work=gmvnonline.com |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bohra |first1=Nirmala |date=10 March 2023 |title=Jhanda Ji Mela Dehradun: 347 साल का गौरव है देहरादून का झंडा मेला, जहां ठंडी नहीं पड़ी चूल्हे की आंच - Jhanda Ji Mela Dehradun Jhanda Mela Dehradun history |url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-jhanda-ji-mela-dehradun-jhanda-mela-dehradun-history-23352062.html |work=Jagran |language=hi |access-date=2 March 2025}}</ref>

=== Tourism ===
Tourist destinations<ref>{{cite web|title=Dehradun Attractions – Things to do in Dehradun|url=http://dehradunlive.in/attractions/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217122553/http://dehradunlive.in/attractions/|archive-date=17 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015|publisher=Dehradunlive.in}}</ref> include the Dehradun Zoo, Kalanga Monument, [[Chandrabani]], Himalayan Gallery cum Regional Science Centre Guchhupani, [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]], [[Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art]], Tapovan, Lakshman Siddha Peeth,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Laxman Siddha Temple Dehradun - How To Reach Laxman Siddh Temple|url=http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/laxman-siddh-temple.php|access-date=4 May 2016|website=euttaranchal.com|archive-date=31 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331115846/http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/laxman-siddh-temple.php|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tapkeshwar Temple]], Santala Devi Temple, [[Mindrolling Monastery]], Prakasheshwar Mahadev Temple,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shiv Mandir Kuthal Gate Mussoorie Road Dehradun - Prakasheswar Mahadev Temple Dehradun|url=http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/shiv-mandir.php|access-date=4 May 2016|website=euttaranchal.com|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323201938/http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/shiv-mandir.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Sai Mandir,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sai Mandir Rajpur Road Dehradun - How To Reach Sai Darbar Temple|url=http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/sai-temple.php|access-date=4 May 2016|website=euttaranchal.com|archive-date=23 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323201421/http://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/sai-temple.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Central [[Braille]] Press<ref>[http://www.withjim.in/2013/09/Central-Braille-Press-in-Dehradun.html Central Braille Press – the first braille printing press of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927203037/http://www.withjim.in/2013/09/Central-Braille-Press-in-Dehradun.html|date=27 September 2013}}, ''Withjim.in''</ref> and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.<ref>{{cite web|title=इनका आकर्षण है खास|trans-title=They have special charm|url=http://210.212.78.56/dehradun/Hindi/excursions.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602221336/http://210.212.78.56/dehradun/Hindi/excursions.html|archive-date=2 June 2008|access-date=26 March 2011|publisher=देहरादूनएक्सकर्शन्स [Dehradun Expresscans]|language=hi}}</ref>

The tourist destinations can be divided into four or five areas: nature, sports, sanctuary, museums and institutions. The nearby hill stations are well known for their natural environment,<ref>{{cite web|title=Namaste Dehradun-Natural Beauty of Dehradun – Namaste Dehradun|url=http://www.namastedehradun.com/natural-beauty-of-dehradun/|access-date=8 December 2014|publisher=Namastedehradun.com|archive-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205033944/http://www.namastedehradun.com/natural-beauty-of-dehradun|url-status=live}}</ref> temples for its faith dimensions, sanctuary for animal and bird lovers. Hill stations include [[Mussoorie]], [[Sahasradhara|Sahastradhara]], [[Chakrata]], and [[Dakpathar]]. Famous temples include Tapkeshwar, [[Lakhamandal]] and Santala Devi.

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Hanuman Idol at Tapkeshwar Temple..jpg|Hanuman Idol at Tapkeshwar Temple
File:An Indian monkey (bandar) in Malsi Deer Park (photo - Jim Ankan Deka).jpg|An Indian monkey in Malsi Deer Park
File:Hanol Temple.jpg|Hanol Temple
File:Robbers Cave, Dehradun.jpg|Robbers Cave, Dehradun
File:Front view of Buddha Temple Dehradun Uttarakhand.jpg| Front view of Buddha Temple Dehradun Uttarakhand
File:Santala Devi Temple Dehradun Uttarakhand.png|Santala Devi Temple Dehradun
</gallery>

=== Places of interest ===
There are a number of small towns and tourist sites in Dehradun District.

==== Kipling Trail ====
The [[Kipling Trail]] is the old walking route between Dehradun and [[Mussoorie]] that was named after English novelist [[Rudyard Kipling]], who is believed to have walked the trail in the 1880s. It begins at Shahanshahi Ashram in Rajpur village. The trail is being revived as nature, history and hiking enthusiasts are increasingly using the trail over driving up to the [[hill station]].

==== Khalanga War Memorial ====
{{main|Khalanga War Memorial}}
The Battle of Nalapani was the first battle of the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814–1816, fought between the forces of the British East India Company and Nepal, then ruled by the House of Gorkha. The battle took place around the Nalapani fort, near Dehradun, which was placed under siege by the British between 31 October and 30 November 1814.

==== Maa Bala Sundari Mandir ====
There are various temples of Maa Bala Sundari Devi situated in India and this is one such temple. The main temple is in Trilokpur, Himachal Pradesh. This temple is situated approximately {{cvt|3|km|spell=in}} South-West Direction of [[Sudhowala]]. This great temple is situated inside a forest. [[Gaur Brahmin]] of [[Sudhowala]] are Pandits (Brahman) of this temple. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Maa Bala Sundari, also known as Bal Roop of Maa Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of the Hindu [[Devi|Mother Goddess]] [[Mahalakshmi]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9XC9bwMMPcwC&q=Bala+Sundari&pg=PA291|title=What Is Hinduism? - Maa Bala Sundari|publisher=HINDUISM TODAY Magazine|year=2007|isbn=9781934145272|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174100/https://books.google.com/books?id=9XC9bwMMPcwC&q=Bala+Sundari&pg=PA291|url-status=live}}</ref> The words "maa" and "mata" are commonly used in India for "[[Mother#Synonyms and translations|mother]]", and thus are often used in connection with Maa Bala Sundari.

Various modes of transportation are available from Sudhowala, including ponies, electric vehicles and palkis operated by 2 or 4 persons. Many pilgrims visit from the northern Indian states to get the blessings of Mahamaya Bala Sundari. A trust is also run by Mandir Maa Bala Sundari Trust, Sudhowala.

==== Dehradun International Cricket Stadium ====
[[File:Dehradun cricket stadium.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Dehradun cricket stadium]]
[[Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun]] is a multi-purpose stadium in the Raipur area of Dehradun, [[Uttarakhand]].<ref name="allindoon.com"/> It is the first international level stadium in the state.

==== Robber's Cave ====
[[Robber's Cave, India|Robber's Cave]] (locally known as Guchhupani), is a [[river cave]] formation in [[Himalaya]], located approximately {{cvt|8|km|spell=in}} from the centre of Dehradun City in [[Uttarakhand]] state of India. Believed to be the hideout of the Sultana Daaku and his band of dacoits. The cave formation has thus been named Robber's Cave.

The cave is about {{convert|600|m}} long, divided into two main parts. The cave has a highest fall of about {{convert|10|m}}. In the central part there is a fort wall structure which is now broken.<ref name="de">{{cite web|title=Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)|url=http://dehradun.nic.in/dehradun.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214011923/http://dehradun.nic.in/dehradun.htm|archive-date=14 December 2007|publisher=Dehradun}}</ref> It consists of an extremely narrow [[gorge]] formed in a [[Conglomerate (geology)|conglomerate]] [[limestone]] area on [[Doon Valley]]'s Dehra [[plateau]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Singh|first=Surendra|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=X4FsjWPEeM4C&q=Robbers+Cave+Dehradun&pg=PA27|title=Urbanization in Garhwal Himalaya: a geographical interpretation|publisher=M.D. Publications|year=1995|isbn=81-85880-69-7|page=27|access-date=15 October 2020|archive-date=19 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174050/https://books.google.com/books?id=X4FsjWPEeM4C&q=Robbers+Cave+Dehradun&pg=PA27|url-status=live}}</ref>

It is a natural cave formation where rivers flows inside the cave. The place is a tourist site and is maintained by [[Uttarakhand]] State. Local bus services are available up to Anarwala village, from where it is a {{convert|1|km|adj=on}} trek.<ref name="de" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Robbers Cave|url=http://www.mapsofindia.com/dehradun/robbers-cave.html|website=MapsofIndia.com|access-date=30 August 2017|archive-date=25 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725130755/http://www.mapsofindia.com/dehradun/robbers-cave.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Lachhiwala Picnic Spot ====
It is a popular tourist destination especially during summers. It is well known for its forests, man-made water pools and bird watching. It is now known as Nature Park.{{fact|date=February 2024}}

==== Tapkeshwar Temple ====
It is a temple of Pashupati Shiva. It is situated beside a forest on the bank of the Asan river and the main deity ([[Shivalinga]]) is housed in a natural cave. According to the holy epic [[Mahabharata]], Guru [[Drona]] is said to have resided in this cave for a period of time. The temple's natural cave is named Drona cave after him.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tapkeshwar Temple Dehradun - How to Reach Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir|url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/tapkeshwar.php|website=www.euttaranchal.com|access-date=28 February 2018|archive-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301044634/https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/tapkeshwar.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Water trickles down the ceiling of the cave and drops on the Shivalinga creating a magnificent image.

==== Dehradun Zoo ====
Formerly known as Malsi Deer Park, the main objectives of Dehradun Zoo are conservation of wild animals, developing an education centre and a rescue centre for wild animals. It is located on the foothills of Shivalik Range on the Mussoorie Road. It is about {{cvt|10|km|spell=in}} away from Dehradun and {{cvt|23|km}} from [[Mussoorie]].

==== Forest Research Institute ====
[[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]] or 'FRI' is an institution in the field of forest research in India. It was founded as India's first forestry school in 1878 by [[Frederick Bailey (forester)|Lt Col Frederick Bailey]] [[FRSE]] [[FRSGS]] of the [[Royal Engineers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The colonial origins of scientific forestry in Britain {{!}} |url=https://www.eh-resources.org/colonial-origins-scientific-forestry/ |website=www.eh-resources.org |access-date=8 February 2021 |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214225052/https://www.eh-resources.org/colonial-origins-scientific-forestry/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The institute is one of the oldest and biggest forest-based training institutes in India. The institute is known for its research work and wonderful architecture that dates to British Raj. FRI is affiliated to the Forest Research Institute University and is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The aim of the institution is to accomplish the needs of the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh, as well as the Uttarakhand Himalayas.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Joshi|first=Bhartendu|date=15 March 2018|title=FRI or Forest Research Institute|url=https://bugyalvalley.com/uttarakhand-tourism/dehradun/forest-research-institute/|website=Bugyal Valley|access-date=23 September 2018|archive-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924033439/https://bugyalvalley.com/uttarakhand-tourism/dehradun/forest-research-institute/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art ====
[[Uttara Museum of Contemporary Art]] is an art museum in Dehradun dedicating multi-dimensional artworks in the memory of the [[Kedarnath]] disaster, [[2013 North India floods]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakrabarty |first1=Arpita |title=Dehradun museum recalls the 2013 floods that wiped out chunks of Uttarakhand |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/dehradun-museum-recalls-the-2013-floods-that-wiped-out-chunks-of-uttarakhand/article25577352.ece |work=The Hindu |date=24 November 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=नहीं रहे अंतरराष्ट्रीय चित्रकार सुरेंद्र पाल जोशी, जयपुर के अस्पताल में ली अंतिम सांस |url=https://www-amarujala-com.translate.goog/dehradun/international-painter-surendra-pal-joshi-passes-away?_x_tr_sl=hi&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=nui,sc |work=Amar Ujala |date=13 June 2018 |language=hi}}</ref>

The museum was founded in 2017 and is Uttarakhand's first art museum. It exhibits various aspects of the calamity and the folk culture of Uttarakhand through [[paintings]], [[sculptures]], and other artworks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oct 5 |first1=Yeshika Budhwar / TNN / Updated |title=India's first 'disaster museum' opens in Dehradun {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/indias-first-disaster-museum-opens-in-dehradun/articleshow/60944976.cms |work=The Times of India |date=5 October 2017 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jun 14 |first1=TNN / |title=Renowned artist Surendra Pal dead {{!}} Jaipur News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/renowned-artist-surendra-pal-dead/articleshow/64580655.cms |work=The Times of India |date=14 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=प्रख्यात चित्रकार सुरेंद्र पाल जोशी का निधन |url=https://www-livehindustan-com.translate.goog/uttarakhand/dehradun/story-renowned-painter-surendra-pal-joshi-passes-away-2011535.html?_x_tr_sl=hi&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=nui,sc |work=Hindustan |date=13 June 2018 |language=hindi}}</ref>

==== Regional Science Centre ====
Regional Science Centre (RSC) is located within the campus of Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCOST) at Vigyan Dham, Suddhowala on the outskirts of Dehradun. The Uttarakhand Regional Science Centre is developed by the National Council for Science Museum (NCSM) in collaboration with the UCOST. The Regional Science Centre is a common destination for school educational tours and hosts a science museum, planetarium, a 3D theatre, science gallery and scientific law based interactive exhibits.<ref>{{Cite web|last=UCOST|first=Uttarakhand|title=Regional Science Centre|url=http://www.ucost.in/blog/rsc/|access-date=8 January 2019|website=ucost.in/blog/rsc/|archive-date=9 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109062150/http://www.ucost.in/blog/rsc/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Lambi Dehar Mines ====
A deserted Limestone Mine supposed to be a haunted place is located in the Mussoorie Range of Dehradun District.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Satpathy|first=Kriti Saraswat|date=20 June 2016|title=Latest travel Articles & blogs|url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/most-haunted-does-a-witch-roam-lambi-dehar-mines-in-uttarakhand-3233528/|access-date=14 July 2020|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714143740/https://www.india.com/travel/articles/most-haunted-does-a-witch-roam-lambi-dehar-mines-in-uttarakhand-3233528/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Virasat ====
[[Virasat (festival)|Virasat]] is a cultural festival that celebrates all aspects of the country's cultural heritage.<ref name="APN"/> The festival was held for the first time in 1995 in Dehradun.<ref name="APN">{{cite news |title=Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2022 be held in Dehradun between April 15 & 29 |url=https://www.apnnews.com/virasat-art-and-heritage-festival-2022-be-held-in-dehradun-between-april-15-29/ |access-date=22 April 2022 |work=APN News |date=16 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="AU2022">{{cite news |title=संस्कृति को सजोए हुए दौर के साथ शुरू हुआ विरासत महोत्सव |url=https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/heritage-festival-begins-to-preserve-culture-city-news-drn409171678 |access-date=22 April 2022 |work=Amar Ujala |date=16 April 2022 |language=hi}}</ref> It is recognised as the Afro-Asia's biggest folk life and heritage festival.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Pankul Sharma|date=9 October 2022 |title=Dehradun: Afro-Asia's 'biggest heritage fest' Virasat to start today in Kaulagarh road {{!}} Dehradun News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/dehradun-afro-asias-biggest-heritage-fest-virasat-to-start-today-in-kaulagarh-road/articleshow/94732670.cms |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> Organised by REACH (Rural Entrepreneurship for Art & Cultural Heritage), this week-long festival includes performances and workshops in Indian folk and classical arts, literature, crafts, theatre, cinema and yoga.<ref name="APN"/><ref name="AU2022"/>

Virasat 2008 expanded the festival into a nationwide event.<ref>{{cite news |title=Virasat 2008: a treat for music lovers |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/virasat-2008-a-treat-for-music-lovers/ |access-date=22 April 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=30 November 2008 |language=en}}</ref>

==Media==
Most of the media houses in Uttarakhand are based in Dehradun. Among Dehradun's widely circulated Hindi-language newspapers are ''[[Dainik Tribune]]'', ''Shah Times'', ''Uttarakhand Aaj'', ''[[Dainik Jagran]]'', ''Gorkha Sandesh'', ''[[Hindustan (newspaper)|Hindustan]]'' ''Rashtriya Sahara'', ''Divya Himgiri'', and ''[[Amar Ujala]]''.  ''The Dehradun Street'' and ''The Garhwal Post'' are two major English-language newspapers that are produced and published from the city. Other popular English-language newspapers published and sold in Dehradun include ''The Himachal Times'', ''[[Deccan Herald]]'', ''[[The Times of India]]'', and ''[[Hindustan Times]]''.

[[All India Radio]], the national state-owned radio broadcaster, has [[AM broadcasting|AM]] radio stations in the city. All India Radio also airs an [[FM broadcasting|FM radio]] station known as AIR North. Dehradun has five [[Frequency modulation|FM]] stations including, AIR Dehradun, Radio Dehradun (community radio station), [[Red FM 93.5]], Radio Zindagi, Hello Doon (NIVH) and Himagiri Ki Awaaz.<ref name="Radios">{{cite web |title=Dehradun radio stations |url=https://www.asiawaves.net/india/uttarakhand-radio.htm#dehradun-radio |publisher=ASIAWAVES: Radio and TV Broadcasting in South and South-East Asia |access-date=9 June 2020 |archive-date=9 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609184346/https://www.asiawaves.net/india/uttarakhand-radio.htm#dehradun-radio |url-status=live }}</ref> There is a [[Doordarshan]] Kendra in the city and provides state-owned free-to-air terrestrial channel [[DD Uttarakhand]]. A mix of Hindi, English, and other regional channels are accessible via [[Cable television|cable subscription]], [[direct-broadcast satellite]] service or [[IPTV|Internet-based television]]. [[Satellite television|Direct-to-Home]] (DTH) entertainment services in Dehradun include [[Videocon d2h]], [[DD Direct+]], [[Dish TV]], [[Reliance Digital TV]], [[Airtel digital TV]] and [[Tata Sky]].

==Sport==
[[File:People participating in the rehearsal ahead of the Prime Minister’s event on the International Day of Yoga 2018, at the Forest Research Institute, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on June 19, 2018 (7).JPG|thumb|[[International Day of Yoga]] in Dehradun, 2018]]
The high mountains and rivers of Uttarakhand attract many tourists and adventure seekers. It is also a favourite destination for [[extreme sport|adventure sports]], such as [[paragliding]], [[sky diving]], [[rafting]] and [[bungee jumping]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tribuneindia.com/2010/20101218/dplus.htm |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India : Latest news, India, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal, Uttarakhand, J&K, sports, cricket |access-date=6 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524034007/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101218/dplus.htm |archive-date=24 May 2013 }}</ref> The first indoor ice rink in India that meets the size requirements for [[ice hockey]], [[figure skating]], [[short track speed skating|short track]] and [[rink bandy]] was built in Dehradun.<ref name=IceRink>{{cite web |title=Nation's biggest ice-skating rink draws players from across country |author=Sandeep Rana |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101218/dplus.htm#1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524034007/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20101218/dplus.htm#1 |archive-date=24 May 2013 }}</ref>

As in the rest of India, cricket is popular among city youth. [[Cricket Association of Uttarakhand]], which regulates cricket in Uttarakhand, is also based in the city. The multi-purpose [[Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun|Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium]], which has a capacity of 20,000 as of 2016, is the first international level stadium in the state.<ref name="allindoon.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.allindoon.com/showbusinesslist/showbusinessarticle/directory/active-life-dehradun/4930-rajiv-gandhi-international-cricket-stadium-dehradun-uttarakhand |title=4930-rajiv-gandhi-international-cricket-stadium-dehradun-uttarakhand |access-date=9 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303213102/http://www.allindoon.com/showbusinesslist/showbusinessarticle/directory/active-life-dehradun/4930-rajiv-gandhi-international-cricket-stadium-dehradun-uttarakhand |archive-date=3 March 2016 }}</ref> It is home to the [[Uttarakhand cricket team]] and second home to the [[Afghanistan cricket team]].<ref name="ACT"/> A Mega Sports Complex is situated in the [[Raipur, Uttarakhand|Raipur]] area of Dehradun.

In sports tourism, the Doon Ice Rink at Maharana Pratap Sports Complex, Raipur is the first full-sized ice arena in India.<ref name="IceRink" /><ref>{{cite web|date=19 March 2010|title=First ice arena for India|url=http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/article/first-ice-arena-for-india.html?cHash=6cb9abfb5a|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217225701/http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/article/first-ice-arena-for-india.html?cHash=6cb9abfb5a|archive-date=17 December 2013}}</ref> It has hosted [[Ice skating in India|ice skating competitions]] and [[Ice hockey in India|ice hockey tournaments]], including the [[IIHF]] Challenge Cup of Asia.<ref>{{cite web|title=STATISTICS|url=http://www.iihf.com/channels1112/ccoa/statistics.html|access-date=8 December 2014|publisher=IIHF|archive-date=17 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617093303/http://www.iihf.com/channels1112/ccoa/statistics.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since, the formation of the state in 2000, the state suffered a blow to its sports facilities as [[Uttar Pradesh]] had the entire infrastructure for sports. [[Uttarakhand]] had hosted very few matches of [[Ranji Trophy]]. Due to lack of infrastructure, players started moving to different states.{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}} In November 2012, [[List of Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand|Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand]] [[Vijay Bahuguna]] laid the foundation of the stadium hoped that the stadium would bring Dehradun on the international cricket map.
On 16 December 2016, Chief Minister [[Harish Rawat]] inaugurated the stadium along with [[Rajeev Shukla]] (the [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] chairperson). The stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000 people, along with floodlights facility for conducting day-night matches. The stadium is built on a 23-acre site and was selected as the second home ground for the Afghanistan cricket team in India.<ref name="ACT">{{cite news |title=Cricket diplomacy: Doon to be Afghanistan team's new home |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cricket-diplomacy-doon-to-be-afghanistan-teams-new-home/articleshow/64580503.cms |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=14 June 2018 |language=en |archive-date=29 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429042446/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cricket-diplomacy-doon-to-be-afghanistan-teams-new-home/articleshow/64580503.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Acharya |first1=Shayan |title=Dehradun is Afghanistan's second home ground |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/dehradun-is-afghanistans-second-home-ground/article23320803.ece |access-date=5 February 2021 |work=Sportstar |date=22 March 2018 |language=en |archive-date=19 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819174102/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/dehradun-is-afghanistans-second-home-ground/article23320803.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=24em}}
* Doon School Ground
* RIMC Cricket Ground
* Abhimanyu Cricket Academy Ground
* MPSC Cricket Ground
* Rangers College Cricket Ground
* Survey of India Cricket Ground
* Doon Cricket Academy Ground
* Tanush Cricket Academy Ground
{{div col end}}

==Architecture==
After Dehradun was made the capital of Uttarakhand, there was a construction boom, especially in residential properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Banerji |first=Ranjona |date=9 August 2024 |title=Dehradun model of development is unsustainable, ecologically hazardous - Question of Cities |url=https://questionofcities.org/dehradun-model-of-development-is-unsustainable-ecologically-hazardous/ |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=questionofcities.org |language=en-US}}</ref> {{citation needed|date=June 2015}} Modern buildings have gradually supplanted older architectural styles including those related to the British colonial rule of India. Important older buildings still upstanding include the Clock Tower, [[Forest Research Institute (India)|Forest Research Institute]], CNI College, Morrison Memorial Church, Inamullah Building, Jama Masjid, Osho Meditation Centre, [[Indian Military Academy]] and Darbar Sahib.

==In popular culture==
* [[George Harrison]] of [[the Beatles]] wrote a song called "Dehra Dun" during the group's [[The Beatles in India|stay in Rishikesh]] in early 1968. The song remained unreleased until its appearance on the super deluxe edition of Harrison's album ''[[All Things Must Pass]]'' in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Saxena |first1=Shivani |date=10 March 2017 |title=Remembering the Beatles song on Dehradun which never got released |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/remembering-the-beatles-song-on-dehradun-which-never-got-released/articleshow/57581041.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=2 March 2025}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2020}}
List of notable personalities from Dehradun:

{{Divcol}}
* [[Abhinav Bindra]] – Olympic gold medalist shooter
* [[Anshul Jubli]] – MMA fighter, [[Road to UFC Season 1]] winner
* [[Dehra Parker]] (1882–1963) – former MP of [[Parliament of Northern Ireland]]
* [[Jubin Nautiyal]] – Indian singer
* [[Raghav Juyal]] – dancer, television host
* [[Amardeep Jha]] – film actress
* [[Anirudh Dave]] – TV actor
* [[Anirudh Agarwal]] – actor
* [[Ali Abbas Zafar]] – film director
* [[Saira Banu]] – former film actress in the 1960s
* [[Bobby Cash]] – country music artist
* [[Archana Puran Singh]] – TV, film actress
* [[Vikas Gupta]] – producer, TV presenter, former [[Bigg Boss]] contestant
* [[Vir Das]] – film actor and stand-up comedian
* [[Anirudh Thapa]] – football player
* [[Asha Negi]] – television actress
* [[Surendra Pal Joshi]] 
* [[Deepa Sahi]] – actress
* [[Deepak Dobriyal]] – TV actor
* [[Hemant Pandey]] – film actor
* [[Himani Shivpuri]] – Actress
* [[K. N. Singh]] – actor
* [[Madhurima Tuli]] – actress
* [[Monisha Kaltenborn]] – businesswoman
* [[Nirmal Pandey]] – actor
* [[Nitin Sahrawat]] actor, environmentalist
* [[Prerna Arora]]- Bollywood producer and director
* [[Rrahul Sudhir]] – TV actor
* [[Ruskin Bond]] - author
* [[Sanjay Kaul]] - political activist
* [[Shivangi Joshi]] – TV actor
* [[Shraddha Sharma]] – singer
* [[Sonam Bisht]] – television actress
* [[Sudhanshu Pandey]] – model
* [[Tom Alter]] – former TV and film actor
* [[Udita Goswami]] – former actress
* [[Lokesh Ohri]] – anthropologist and heritage activist
* [[Vandana Shiva]]- food sovereignty advocate, Indian scholar, ecofeminist
* [[Vikram Singh Chauhan]] – television actor
{{Divcolend}}

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Dehradun}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
* [[Dehradun Municipal Corporation]]
* [[List of cities in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh by population]]
* [[Garhwal Division]]
* [[Doiwala]]
* [[Haridwar]]
* [[Roorkee]]
* [[Rishikesh]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{cite EB9 |wstitle= Dehra Dún |volume= VII |page=32-33 |short=1}}
* {{Cite EB1911 |wstitle= Dehra Dun |volume= 7 |page=932 |short=1}}

{{Dehradun}}
{{State and Union Territory capitals of India}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Uttarakhand}}

[[Category:Dehradun| ]]
[[Category:Dehradun district]]
[[Category:Places in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Cities in Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Smart cities in India]]
[[Category:Populated places established in the 1670s]]
[[Category:1670s establishments in Asia]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Dehradun district]]