Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Jun: The Smart City stormwater drainage project near Dehradun’s Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) has finally provided a permanent solution to the chronic waterlogging issue that plagued the area for years. Despite heavy rainfall this monsoon, the newly constructed drainage system has ensured there has been no accumulation of rainwater, marking a significant achievement for the district administration and a source of relief for residents and daily commuters. For many years, even moderate rainfall would flood the area, making commuting difficult and posing safety risks, particularly at the entrance point of the city.
Spearheaded by District Magistrate Savin Bansal and inspired by the Chief Minister’s vision of a resilient and responsive urban infrastructure, the ISBT drainage and sewerage project was executed with thorough planning, technical consultation, and regular on-ground monitoring. The district administration overcame numerous logistical challenges during the course of construction, ensuring the entire drainage network, including all 15 chambers, their covers, the road blacktop, underground electric lines, and the sewer lines, were cleaned, upgraded and brought into functional condition in record time. Extensive discussions with technical experts and members of the core committee led to the development of a sustainable and engineering-backed solution.
The district administration prioritised the project’s completion before the onset of monsoon. During the construction phase, massive quantities of solid waste and debris were cleared from the drainage channels to restore smooth water flow. Large hume pipes were installed to manage the expected volume of rainfall. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kumkum Joshi was appointed on-site to supervise progress and ensure strict compliance with timelines and safety standards.
The waterlogging problem at ISBT Chowk had become a recurring menace during each rainy season, often leading to traffic congestion, damage to infrastructure, and even accidents. With the new system in place, these risks have now been substantially mitigated, bringing comfort to both residents and visitors entering the city through this key transit point. The local residents have expressed their satisfaction at the project’s success, describing it as long overdue and highly effective.
In keeping with the Chief Minister’s commitment to urban reform and citizen-centric governance, DM Savin Bansal has been personally overseeing multiple civic improvement projects across Dehradun. The ISBT drainage initiative stands out not only for its swift execution but also for its embedded provision for long-term maintenance. Funds for the project were sourced from multiple channels, with a significant portion drawn from the Smart City budget. The administration has also ensured that maintenance responsibilities are clearly defined so that the newly operational system remains efficient for years to come.
