Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 29 Jul: Following continuous heavy rains and landslides in Mussoorie, the district administration has intensified relief efforts to restore normalcy. The administration launched a war-footing operation to reopen major roads and connect routes that had been blocked during the recent disaster, successfully restoring traffic flow within 24 hours. The administration’s next objective is to make the city’s dilapidated, pothole-ridden roads safe for travel.
Mussoorie SDM Rahul Anand held a meeting with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), National Highways, and the Municipality, directing them to prioritise making roads within their respective jurisdictions pothole-free. For now, given the ongoing monsoon, potholes will be filled using temporary repairs, while permanent reconstruction will be undertaken once the rains subside. Rahul Anand noted that the recent heavy rains caused massive landslides on several routes, including the Mussoorie-Dehradun highway. Traffic was restored within 12 to 24 hours after clearing debris with the help of JCB machines. He stated that the administration is fully prepared to handle any disaster and is keeping a close watch on vulnerable areas. The SDM mentioned that investigations revealed construction debris being dumped along roadsides and slopes; this debris washes onto main roads during rains, causing repeated blockages. Taking a serious view of this, officials from the PWD and National Highways have been instructed to jointly identify the offenders and take appropriate action.
Gaurav Bhasin, Executive Officer of the Municipality, stated that Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani held a meeting with the construction department and issued directives to repair all damaged roads within the municipal area. For now, work to fill the potholes will commence, and permanent road reconstruction will be undertaken after the monsoon season ends. He stated that a committee has been formed to identify those dumping debris along the roadside, and notices have already been issued to several individuals. If a satisfactory response is not received within seven days, strict action will be taken against the parties in accordance with the rules.
Municipal Councillor Jasbir Kaur remarked that an authorised dumping zone has yet to be designated in Mussoorie; consequently, construction agencies and contractors are dumping debris along roadsides, in drains, and in forest areas. She demanded that a scientific dumping zone be identified within the municipal area as soon as possible and that it be made mandatory to dispose of all construction debris there. She further urged that strict action be taken against anyone found violating these rules.
