Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 22 Jul: The government has geared up to restore normalcy on the Dehradun-Mussoorie route, which has been affected by incessant rains and landslides. On Wednesday, Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi conducted an on-site inspection of the damaged section of the main Dehradun-Mussoorie highway—considered the town’s lifeline—near the area known as ‘Paani Wala Bend’. He assessed the condition of the road and issued instructions to accelerate reconstruction efforts. Minister Joshi told officials that this route is not merely a road but a lifeline connecting the tourist town of Mussoorie with Dehradun; therefore, no negligence regarding its reconstruction would be tolerated. He directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the district administration to treat the project on top priority and complete the work on war footing to ensure traffic returns to normal as soon as possible.
During the inspection, the Minister also examined sections where continuous rain had turned the soil slushy, posing a risk of vehicles getting stuck. He instructed officials to immediately fill such spots with stones, gravel, and other necessary construction materials to reinforce the road and ensure safe vehicular movement. Minister Ganesh Joshi also emphasised the need for additional safety measures in vulnerable areas. He directed that warning boards be installed, barricades erected, and personnel deployed wherever there is a risk of landslides or road subsidence. He stated that even a minor lapse during the monsoon could lead to a major accident; hence, there should be no compromise on safety standards. The Dehradun-Mussoorie route is one of the busiest in the state. Damage caused by the rain has been causing significant inconvenience to locals, tourists, and business owners, with frequent traffic jams and disruptions hindering movement. Consequently, the Minister’s inspection is being viewed as a crucial step towards restoring the route. Several officials from the district administration and concerned departments, including Joint Magistrate Rahul Kumar and Public Works Department Executive Engineer Rajesh Kumar, were present during the inspection. The officials briefed the Minister on the progress of the reconstruction work and the future action plan.
