Fed up with frequent waterlogging, locals stage protest

Uttarkashi: Frustrated with the annual ordeal of waterlogging during monsoon at Uttarkashi’s Kaleshwar Marg, dozens of Joshiyara residents marched to the Collectorate on Saturday to the beats of traditional drums and slogans while demanding an immediate fix to the flawed drainage network in wards 8 and 9.Protesters complained of frequent waterlogging making commuting hazardous, particularly for children, women and the elderly.“Rainwater and sewage flood our homes and ruin our belongings, while the administration does absolutely nothing,” said Ashish Negi, one of the participants. He added that despite the imminent arrival of the monsoon, the municipality, irrigation department and district administration have shown inaction, even after “decades of repeated complaints”.Following a meeting with a delegation of protesters, including Ashish Negi, Avatar Parmar, Vijayraj Rawat, district magistrate Prashant Arya directed the SDM of Bhatwari, along with officials from the irrigation department and the municipality, to inspect the site.Protesters said that they would resort to blocking the national highway at Gyansu on July 1 if the drainage system is not repaired immediately, holding the authorities responsible for the consequences.