By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 4 Jun: In view of the upcoming monsoon season in Mussoorie, the municipal administration has shifted into ‘action mode’ On Thursday, Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani conducted a joint inspection of the Mall Road, along with various drains and sewers, accompanied by officials from the Garhwal Jal Sansthan, Jal Nigam, Public Works Department (PWD), and the Municipality. During the inspection, she issued clear directives to the departments concerned, mandating that all drains and sewers be thoroughly cleaned and cleared of obstructions before the onset of the rains. The inspection revealed issues of encroachment over drains and accumulated filth at several locations. Expressing her displeasure over this, the Municipal Chairperson emphasised that cleaning the drains is absolutely essential to prevent waterlogging and incidents of soil erosion during the rainy season. She issued a stern warning that any form of negligence in carrying out this task would not be tolerated.
Meera Saklani stated that the inspection also revealed instances where individuals had constructed hotels and other commercial establishments directly over the drains, thereby disrupting the drainage system. Notices will be issued to the owners of the hotels in all such cases. She added that the owners would first be given an opportunity to remove the encroachments themselves; however, if no action is taken within the stipulated timeframe, the Municipality will proceed to remove the encroachments on its own authority.
She further noted that several shopkeepers are dumping garbage and waste into the roadside drains, causing them to clog and increasing the risk of waterlogging during the rains. Notices will be issued to such shopkeepers as well. She warned that, if anyone is found dumping waste into the drains in the future, strict action will be taken against them in accordance with the applicable regulations.
The Municipal Chairperson also directed municipal officials to immediately remove the telecom and other cables that are hanging haphazardly across the Mall Road. She stated that these wires not only mar the aesthetic beauty of the city but are also increasingly posing a safety hazard. Meera Saklani stated that the government and the Mussoorie Municipality are continuously working to make the town clean, beautiful, and well-organised; however, certain individuals and private companies are actively undermining these efforts. Strict action will now be taken against such individuals. She directed officials from the Public Works Department to devise a permanent solution to the waterlogging issues occurring at several locations along Mall Road. Furthermore, she emphasised that all departments must work in close coordination before the onset of the monsoon season to ensure that neither tourists nor local residents face any inconvenience.
