MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Commuters expressed concern on Wednesday about the inadequate drainage systems that hindered movement across the city following the first spell of heavy Monsoon rains.
They noted that this issue is not isolated, as roads in Dehradun frequently suffer from waterlogging during the Monsoon season due to insufficient drainage. This situation puts drivers at risk. They pointed out that the drainage problem has worsened over time, attributing it to the concretization of pathways, encroachments, large scale construction and the felling of trees. Commuters have urged authorities to take immediate action to enhance the city’s drainage infrastructure.
It is important to mention that on Wednesday, the heavy rainfall marked the beginning of the monsoon season, leading to flooded roads in various areas of Dehradun. This situation has raised questions about the administration’s preparedness for the Monsoon.
Commuter Mahendra Shukla stated that getting to work on Wednesday had become risky due to waterlogging in many areas of Dehradun. He questioned the adequacy of the drainage facilities provided, noting that while there are claims of development, the reality of waterlogging indicates otherwise.
“I have nearly fallen several times because the roads in Dehradun are filled with rainwater. The poor drainage system highlighted the issues on Wednesday and revealed the true picture of the Monsoon season. The authorities need to take action; otherwise, it may result in more road accidents in the future,” said another commuter, Shivam Verma.
A senior citizen Darshan Chauhan said that the drainage situation in Dehradun has deteriorated in recent times. He recalled that earlier there was not as much waterlogging, but due to tree felling and the cementing of pathways under the guise of development, waterlogging has increased.
Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD) member Himanshu Arora expressed concern over the rising waterlogging in the city, attributing it to the disappearance of the canal system, large-scale felling of trees, and concretization through tile paving.
“The development model in Dehradun is suffocating our lives,” Arora said.
Additionally, social media on Wednesday was inundated with posts regarding water logging on Dehradun’s roads.
