PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The recent heavy rainfall in Dehradun has resulted in damage to the district’s water supply systems, leading to a loss of Rs 8.45 crore. Stating this, the secretary (Appraisal) at Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) Maneesh Semwal said that on September 16, Dehradun experienced significant rainfall, which caused some areas to suffer from cloudbursts and landslides. Consequently, 33 water supply schemes in the district were affected on that day.
Semwal said that among these, the main water supply schemes—which serves large areas of Dehradun—sustained considerable damage. He informed that the main water supply scheme, which was affected during that day, includes the supply scheme located near Maldevta, where the water supply is sourced from the Baandal River and the Bijapur Canal, he said.
He added that this main water supply schemes extend over 16 kilometers and pass through areas such as Raipur, Survey Chowk and directly to the Dilaram filter plant. Consequently, this plant serves most of the urban water supply areas in Dehradun, including the chief minister’s residence, Hathibarkala, Old Survey Chowk, Chukkuwala, Karanpur, Ghantaghar, Paltan Bazaar and many others.
Due to the adverse weather conditions, a 250-meter section of the water supply scheme was washed away and damaged. However, an alternative arrangement has been made for the restoration of the water supply by connecting to an older line near the damaged section. Permanent restoration is underway and will be completed once the road construction is finished, he added.
Semwal said additionally, water supply schemes from the Galogi Power House, Shahanshai sources were also damaged that day, along with 30 other water supply schemes. The restoration process is currently in progress, although some areas are experiencing delays due to road connectivity issues. Efforts are being made to restore the water supply schemes in Dehradun district as quickly as possible. They have also dispatched tankers to areas in Dehradun where the water supply was connected to the damaged water schemes. Semwal emphasised that the estimated cost of the damage to the water supply schemes in Dehradun district is Rs 8.45 crore. He added that the toll-free number, 18001804100 or 1916, is available for any complaints or assistance.
