PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Residents in Dehradun have expressed concern over persistent air pollution due to dust from ongoing construction works by various departments and many local people, saying year-round digging and road works have made the city’s atmosphere dusty and led to a rise in allergies and eye infections.
They said road construction work in Dehradun continues throughout the year and never seems to end. Felling of trees has also reduced green cover that earlier absorbed dust, while tiles laid along roadsides now allow dust to settle on the surface instead of being absorbed.
Residents urged the authorities concerned to ensure that ongoing works are completed at the earliest instead of carrying out repair works continuously.
Localite Ramesh Kumar said that he has been noticing for the past few years that air pollution in the city has increased a lot. The main reason is that throughout the year, roads are dug up for one work or the other by departments concerned or by some locals too. The construction work is never completed and roads are always dug up, which has increased the dusty atmosphere and is leading to ailments. He said due to this, he has been suffering from asthma and allergies for the last few years. Considering health concerns, authorities should look into the matter and take action.
“Year-round construction work has increased air pollution in the city. Apart from this, in the last few years many trees have been felled in the city, due to which it causes waterlogging during rains and on normal days, as there are no trees, dust is not absorbed. The combination of various factors, which includes ongoing construction and felling of trees, among others has increased dust pollution, resulting in allergies among residents,” said another resident, Yashika Uniyal.
Senior citizen Harish Mehta said that the ongoing construction work, which continues year-round has not only increased ailments but also increased chances of accidents. Authorities should take action on this; otherwise, the air quality in Dehradun will be further affected.
