The incessant rain has not only created havoc in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, but the Dehradun district has also faced the brunt of natural calamities.
Department sources revealed that around 47 connecting roads were damaged in the district. Additionally, around two dozen bridges that were constructed on the roads were also damaged. In a rough estimate prepared by the PWD, department needs around `13 crore to repair the roads for ensuring smooth flow of trafficespecially in the fringe parts of the district.
Sources said that lambhidhar-Kimadi is reported being baldy damaged besides the flow of traffic is also reported to be disrupted on Kotla-Santoor route. Additionally, Aamrala route is also reported to be disrupted due to frequent rains. Among the worst affected bridges at Dhaulas, Dhorakhas, Noon, Dakota, Mothorowala etc. Department sources revealed that the connecting routes which are Maaldevta-Dhutto, Musandwala, Timli, Bhanswala, Rangadwala, Sarona, Thayud etc are also affected.
It is noteworthy that among all the blocks, Chakrata block is the worst affected in terms of road network that was damaged after experiencing the rainfall. Several potholes have also emerged in the Capital city and among the worst affected roads that are affected are EC road, Dl road, Nemi road, Saharanpur road, Haridwar road, Haridwar by-pass road etc.
Even after receiving stern instructions by the higher authorities to repair the roads before the advent of the monsoon season, the department concerned has missed several deadlines.
Sources confirmed that the department concerned has already instructed the nodal agency to repair the potholes in the Capital city. However, residents lamented that the roads that were repaired hastily will give up before its stipulated time.
One of the department sources who wished anonymity told The Pioneer that every possible step has been taken by the department to repair the connecting routes and bridges that were damaged after witnessing the heavy downpour in the last month.
He completely ruled out the use of inferior quality material while constructing the roads across the Capital city. He claimed that the tenders have been sought for repairing the damaged roads in the Capital city at earliest.
He said that the engineers and the nodal agencies have been instructed to repair and re-construct the damaged roads that were washed away in the mountainous parts of the State for resuming the smooth flow of traffic in the disaster hit areas of Uttarakhand.