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shikhar falls When rain disasters hit Dehradun in September last year, the Shikhar falls area had also sustained severe damage, especially the main water supply pipeline. As a result, the supply in the Rajpur and adjoining areas had remained disrupted for more than a week. A TOI spot visit has revealed that the pipelines continue to remain exposed and the damage from last year is still visible. No major strengthening or slope stabilisation work has been done here and while the footfall has reduced to some extent, visitors continue to go to the falls......AMIT SHARMA
Dehradun: Nearly 10 months after the rain deluge severely damaged the Shikhar Falls area and its main water supply pipeline, a TOI spot visit found sections of the pipeline still exposed, leaving the water supply to Rajpur and nearby localities vulnerable during the ongoing monsoon.The visit found sections of the pipeline completely uncovered, while parts of the trekking route remained washed away, leaving only a narrow stretch for visitors to pass. At several places, the pipeline hangs precariously, increasing the risk of further damage if heavy rain triggers another debris flow.Water from the Rispana flowing through Shikhar Falls is the primary source of supply for Rajpur and nearby localities.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about contamination and urged authorities to protect the water source. Shikhar Falls has also emerged as a popular tourist destination in recent years and is often referred to as a “hidden gem”.During the Sept downpour last year, debris destroyed the water pipeline and caused extensive damage across the area. “We were without water supply for a week. Many villagers still do not have proper access.
Some have tapped directly into the main pipeline and collect water from those points for their daily needs,” said Ankit, a resident of Kairwaan village.Residents said no major slope-stabilisation work has been carried out since the disaster and the area remains prone to landslides and mudslides. “Despite the damage, many visitors came during the summer. Even now, people continue to visit the falls during the rains.
If more debris comes down, the pipeline could be damaged again. It already has a few leaks,” said Manoj Negi, who works at an eatery near the falls.Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) officials said in-principle funding approval from the World Bank had been granted for a permanent overhaul of the pipeline at a cost of Rs 3 crore.“We have floated the tender and, following final approval of the estimate, it will be finalised. We expect the work to be completed within the next six months. Once the project is complete, the supply will remain uninterrupted,” said UJS North Division executive engineer Sanjay Singh. “If the pipeline is damaged by rain this season, we will rectify it immediately. We are monitoring the situation closely,” Singh said.
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