Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 3 Aug: The dilapidated condition of the Mussoorie-Kimadi road has once again proven fatal. A 32-year-old man lost his life after his motorcycle lost control and skidded near a waterfall, approximately three kilometres beyond Hathipaon.
Following the accident, locals have once again raised questions regarding the road’s poor state and the lack of safety measures. According to the police, information was received via the City Control 112 helpline about a motorcycle accident on the route from Hathipaon towards Kimadi. Upon receiving the information, the Mussoorie police arrived at the scene, and the critically injured youth was rushed to the Civil Hospital in Mussoorie via a 108 ambulance. Doctors examined him and declared him dead. The deceased has been identified as Anup Bangwal (32), son of Dharmanand Bangwal, a resident of Krishna Vihar, Thano Road, Raipur, Dehradun. The police have informed the family members of the incident. The body has been kept in the mortuary pending the inquest (panchnama) and post-mortem examination. Necessary legal proceedings are underway.
Locals state that the road from Hathipaon to Kimadi has been in a dilapidated state for a long time. The road surface is broken in several places; mud and slipperiness increase during the monsoon, while the continuous flow of water across the road near waterfalls poses a constant risk of motorists losing their balance. Adequate safety walls, warning signs, and anti-skid measures are also missing in many locations. This route is a favourite among tourists due to its natural beauty and waterfalls. Large numbers of bikers and car drivers visit the area during weekends and the tourist season. Consequently, the poor condition of the road and the slippery surface significantly heighten the risk of accidents. Local residents have demanded that the administration and the Public Works Department immediately repair the Kimadi Road; implement safety measures at slippery spots; and ensure the installation of warning signs and crash barriers, as well as proper road drainage, to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.
