Exvacation of various city roads even the recently repaired roads for various civic works continues to pose various problems for the people in Dehradun. Roads dug up for various civic works and not covered and repaired properly also affect the flow of traffic apart from increasing the threat of mishaps.
Public and private agencies periodically excavate roads for laying sewage pipes and cables aside from drainage and water supply purposes, leaving the locals inconvenienced and angry. The ditches left unfilled are causing mishaps and impeding traffic flow in various parts of the city. It has often been noted by public representatives and bureaucrats that such problems are resulting from the lack of coordination among the various agencies and departments including the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA), Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation of Dehradun, Jal Sansthan and Peyjal Nigam among others. A stretch of the link road to Raipur ring road through Nehru Colony had been dug up near the Fountain Chowk some time ago for laying sewage pipes. Sara Negi whose salon is situated along the main road nearby complained, “Since the day this road was dug we have been suffering from the effects of dust being blown about. Apart from this, the excavation has also narrowed the road, slowing down the traffic flow,” she added.
However, defending the authorities engaged in such works, a police officer posted in Nehru Colony police station, said, “These civic works are important and are done in the interest of people. The public must also bear with it instead of simply complaining.” He further said to address the situation the police will write to the departments concerned seeking prior intimation before digging work so that the residents can be informed about the same in advance.
The condition of the Raipur ring road is also undesirable with debris and uneven surface dotting a stretch of about two kilometers. Manju and Anita, two women working in Raipur said that they use the Raipur ring road for daily commute. “We used to go by our two-wheelers earlier. But the stretch being what it is now, we commute in auto-rickshaws. There is no other option. The road has been in a deteriorated state for about three months now and no one seems to know when this important road will be repaired,” said Manju.
Recalling her experience Anita said, “I had met with an accident on this stretch of the road. It took me months to recuperate experiencing its effects on my personal and professional lives,” she said.
Vikrama Devi pointed out that the departments appear fast and efficient when it comes to digging up roads but the same swiftness and efficiency are rare when it comes to filling and repairing the excavated roads.
However, an engineer working with a government department said that the road had been dug up twice, for sewage work and then for laying telephone lines. “This state might continue for about a month or two. But the people need to cooperate with the departments so that the works are completed faster,” he said.