PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Moderate rainfall throughout the day led to waterlogging at various locations in Dehradun on Thursday, forcing the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) to deploy its Quick Response Team (QRT) from early morning to clear the accumulated water and restore normal movement in affected areas.
QRT member Ashutosh Rautri said that the control room started receiving complaints since the morning regarding waterlogging and fallen trees. By afternoon, QRT teams had attended five locations and cleared waterlogging in areas including Chandrabani, Shimla Bypass, Pitthuwala, Vasant Vihar and other affected localities. He said that the teams remained on alert throughout the day and continued responding to complaints as they were received.
Speaking about the challenges faced during field operations, Rautri said that the actual situation on the ground is often different from what is initially reported by supervisors. By the time the teams reach the spot, the water level may have risen significantly, requiring bigger pumps than those initially carried. Arranging the additional equipment takes time, which delays the drainage process. Despite these challenges and the consistent inflow of complaints during heavy rainfall, the teams are making every effort to respond as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing monsoon season, the MCD has procured 1,400 raincoats for its field staff to ensure uninterrupted civic services during rainfall. Dehradun assistant municipal commissioner Rajveer Singh Chauhan said that the raincoats will be distributed among tractor-trolley drivers, nala gang workers, QRT and sanitation workers engaged in essential field operations across the city. Chauhan said that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that field personnel can continue carrying out emergency duties safely and efficiently during the monsoon season.
