PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Even an hour of rainfall in Dehradun is enough to cause overflow and waterlogging on roads across the city, exposing the city’s continued drainage problems. Encroachment is emerging as a major factor responsible for the reduced efficiency of the existing drainage system in the city. Although the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) conducts periodic drives to clean drains and remove garbage, silt and other waste before and during the monsoon, many areas continue to witness waterlogging after even moderate rainfall.
Dehradun municipal commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said that one of the major reasons behind the recurring problem is that many drains have been illegally covered or encroached upon by people. Several shopkeepers and property owners have extended their shops or constructed parking spaces over drains using tin sheets, cement or concrete slabs. As these drains remain covered, sanitation workers are unable to clean them properly. Over time, garbage, plastic waste, silt and debris accumulate inside the drains, restricting the flow of rainwater. During heavy rainfall, the blocked drains overflow, causing dirty water to spill onto roads and low-lying areas. The situation creates serious inconvenience for commuters, pedestrians and nearby residents while also raising concerns over public health and sanitation.
Stating that encroachments on drains have become a major challenge for the civic body, the municipal commissioner said that resolving the problem will require coordinated action by the district administration, police and the MCD. He said that all three departments will have to work together to remove such encroachments so that the drains can be cleaned effectively to restore their water carrying capacity. A joint meeting of the departments concerned will be convened soon, after which action will be initiated to clear encroachments and reduce waterlogging during the monsoon, he added.
