The arrival of the rainy season is not far away but the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun has only started the cleaning of some roadside drains to prevent waterlogging. Observers point out that such cleaning is a mere formality which will not have the desired result because the corporation does not take any action against those who continue to dump garbage in the drains.
It is pertinent to mention here that every year during the rainy season, many areas of Dehradun experience waterlogging which not only causes much public inconvenience but also poses a risk to public health. The waterlogging on roads and residential areas disrupts traffic and results in dirty water entering homes and shops in various localities of the State capital. One of the main reasons for this problem is that the roadside drains are clogged with garbage thrown by locals and shopkeepers. This violation of the regulation and lack of civic sense is the reason why roadside canals like the one on East Canal Road, in Garhi Cantt and other areas were covered.
However, the authorities have done nothing to tackle the proclivity of locals to dump garbage improperly on public land and roadside drains. Though the ban on polythene bags in Dehradun has to some extent decreased the plastic garbage ending in roadside drains, other plastic waste thrown in the drains continues to clog them. The resulting mess is exacerbated by the fact that the storm water drainage system of Dehradun is old and not large enough to meet the demands of an expanding city with rising population and increased garbage generation.
Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli said that various works were delayed due to the model code of conduct implemented during the local body elections in April. However, now the MCD has started cleaning the roadside drains in view of the impending monsoon.
Observers point out that simply cleaning the drains before the rains is not the solution because no action is taken to prevent the continued illegal dumping of garbage in the drains.