The Irrigation department has started a survey of the banks of Rispana and Bindal rivers to help the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun to ascertain the flood threat faced by those living on the river banks.
There are thousands of families living in authorised and unauthorised constructions on the banks of the Rispana and Bindal rivers in Dehradun. When these rivers come in spate following heavy rains, people either evacuate or are shifted to safe locations by the district administration.
So far this year the flooding experienced after record breaking rainfall on June 16-17 has not caused any major destruction but this does not mean that those living on the river banks can live without fear. The Irrigation department has formed a team to survey the debris deposited on the banks of these two rivers. This team will submit its report in a week and this report is expected to help the MCD chalk out a plan of action.
However, considering the past record of the State government, department and municipal officials it remains to be seen whether this action is able to achieve the intended results. It is pertinent to mention here that despite repeated requests the Irrigation Department had not measured the breadth of rivers in Dehradun. Had it done so in the past, it would have helped in marking encroachments which have not only become a problem for the city and its environment but are also unsafe for the occupants themselves.