Garhwal Post Bureau
Kotdwar, 7 Aug: In light of the persistent heavy rainfall in Kotdwar Assembly Constituency and the resulting drainage issues, Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha Speaker and Kotdwar MLA, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan conducted an inspection of various wards today.
During the inspection, special attention was given to the under-construction drainage canal on Devi Road. She stated that Devi Road is one of the most important and heavily used roads in Kotdwar, and the waterlogging situation is causing severe inconvenience to residents and traders. Continuous rainfall has led to water accumulation, obstructing movement and even causing water to enter shops.
Speaker Ritu Khanduri directed officials from the Municipal Corporation and Public Works Department to ensure effective drainage arrangements are made at the earliest and that the construction of the drainage canal is completed within the stipulated timeline. She also expressed strong displeasure over the discharge of wastewater by hotels and shops directly on to the road, instructing authorities to take appropriate action against such establishments.
Additionally, she visited areas including Balasaur, Kashiram Pur Talla, Govind Nagar, Padampur, and Kaudiyan, where she interacted with local residents to understand the drainage problems firsthand. During the visit, it was observed that encroachments and long-defunct irrigation canals were obstructing the natural flow of water. She instructed the concerned departments to immediately remove encroachments and clean and revive all blocked canals.
The Speaker remarked that, considering Kotdwar’s geographical conditions, drainage remains a major challenge, but she has been making continuous efforts for its resolution for the past several years.
Officials and Public Representatives present during the inspection included Nirbhay Singh, Executive Engineer, Public Works Department; PL Shah, Municipal Commissioner, Kotdwar Municipal Corporation; Anil Rathore, Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department; Prema Khantwal, Mandal President; Gajendra Mohan Dhasmana, senior BJP leader; Jaydeep Nautiyal, Councillor; and Mukesh Dabral, Councillor.
