Dr. Ashish Chauhan Takes Charge as District Magistrate

 
Dehradun, May 25, 2026.(RNS)
Dehradun district has got a new administrative head with IAS officer Dr. Ashish Chauhan formally assuming charge as the new District Magistrate on Monday. Former District Magistrate Savin Bansal has been transferred to the Secretariat following the government’s latest transfer list.
While Savin Bansal received an emotional farewell from officials, employees and citizens for his people-centric administration, Dehradun has now been handed over to an officer known for his sensitive, innovative and public-oriented working style.
During his tenure in Dehradun since September 2024, Savin Bansal initiated several welfare-oriented measures aimed at bringing the administration closer to the public. Among the most appreciated initiatives was the “Nanda-Sunanda” campaign focused on securing the education and future of girl children. The district administration also launched rehabilitation drives for children involved in begging and rag-picking, helping connect them to mainstream education and safer living conditions.
His emphasis on public hearings, speedy grievance redressal, welfare outreach and socially sensitive governance earned him the image of a “People’s Administrator.” As news of his transfer spread, citizens and staff members bid him an emotional farewell.
After taking charge, Dr. Ashish Chauhan inspected the treasury office and reviewed administrative arrangements before formally assuming office. He directed officials to ensure proper maintenance and safe preservation of records while stressing the need for digital verification of pensioners.
Speaking after assuming charge, Dr. Chauhan said that ensuring transparent and timely delivery of government welfare schemes to the public would remain his top priority. Strengthening Char Dham Yatra management, expediting disaster management works and ensuring speedy implementation of development projects will also be key focus areas of the administration.
An IAS officer of the 2012 batch, Dr. Ashish Chauhan has previously served as District Magistrate in challenging hill districts including Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi and Pauri. During his tenure, he gained recognition for several technology-driven public welfare initiatives, innovations in healthcare, road safety campaigns, public engagement programmes and tourism development projects.
One of his notable initiatives in Pauri was the “Safe Safar App,” developed to improve road safety. The digital platform was introduced to monitor and register hired vehicles used during marriage ceremonies, helping curb overloading, drunk driving and road accidents.
In the healthcare sector, Dr. Chauhan’s “Kavya App” received significant appreciation. Launched in 2023, the app was designed to identify, register and continuously monitor high-risk pregnant women, especially in remote hilly regions where safe and timely deliveries remain a major challenge. The initiative proved effective in reducing maternal and infant health risks.
Dr. Chauhan also played a key role in promoting tourism and cultural development. The upcoming “Trishul Park” near the Himalayan View Point in Pauri reflects his vision for strengthening religious and eco-tourism in the region. The park features a massive 56-foot trident structure, expected to become a major tourist attraction in the coming years.
Known for prioritizing quality, transparency and public participation in governance, Dr. Ashish Chauhan is now expected to bring a similar model of innovative and citizen-friendly administration to Dehradun as well.