PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Nainital
Nearly two years have passed since Dorothy’s Seat, the iconic British era structure at Tiffin Top, a popular tourist destination in Nainital, collapsed, but no concrete steps have been taken yet towards its reconstruction. This despite the fact that the Irrigation department has prepared a DPR worth Rs 4.9 crore and sent it to the government for restoration of one of the major tourist destinations of the lake city. But the government continues to sit on it. Notably, the structure gave way with a loud crash on the night of August 6 2024 amidst a massive landslide.
Following the incident, the administration restricted the movement of tourists and locals in the area for safety reasons. Horse riding was also suspended for nearly two months. Following an inspection by the administration team, geologists and departmental experts surveyed the area and identified the need for geological studies for the reconstruction of Dorothy’s Seat. Following this, the Irrigation department prepared a proposal to restore Dorothy’s Seat. The proposal calls for the construction of a five-meter-by-15-meter platform using self-drilling anchors, along with a three-meter-high RCC wall for safety and stability. Railings are also proposed for the safety of tourists.
Speaking of the matter, the assistant engineer of the Irrigation department, Lalit Mohan Kashyap stated that the proposal has been sent to the government and construction work would commence once the budget is approved. “We are waiting,” he added.
