The Pioneer 24.08.2010
Concrete covers on drains multiply waterlogging woes
PNS | Dehradun
Roadside sewers and canals covered with concrete slabs help waterlogging in Dehradun. These slabs not only prevent rain water from draining out but also provide space for encroachments. Taking this into account Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli had directed the officials of the departments concerned to remove these slabs but no action has been taken so far.
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) is operating a flood action cell, which received about 200 calls since July. However, the action taken by the MCD and the district authorities only provide marginal assistance to those facing problems caused by waterlogging, even as sewers and canals covered with concrete slabs continue to protract the problem of waterlogging.
About 10 days back the Mayor had directed the officials of the MCD, Irrigation Department and Public Works Department (PWD) to remove the concrete slabs covering roadside sewers. These slabs not only prevent rainwater from draining out but also provide space for roadside vendors and shop owners which in turn create problems in the regulation of traffic. The rains in Dehradun this year has broken past records, including the highest rain received during a single day in August, which was the highest in the past 40 years. The heavy rains in turn caused problem of waterlogging in many residential and commercial areas.
The flood action cell of MCD is manned by eight employees who work in three eight-hour shifts to provide 24 hours assistance, but they act only after waterlogging caused substantial damage. The apathy of the officials towards the directions of Vinod Chamoli is one of the factors responsible for the hardships being faced by the public in many localities of town due to waterlogging.
