'Inspections happen only after disasters': Kimadi-Purukul roads remain damaged

Dehradun: Nearly a year after the rain deluge, several roads in Dehradun's Kimadi-Purukul belt remain damaged, with residents saying repeated inspections and assurances have not translated into permanent restoration work.

The area, which was among the first to be visited by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami after last year's disaster, continues to face disruption every time it rains."We are grateful for the visit. However, inspections often happen after the damage is done. A new road was built under the PMGSY, but much of the debris that affected the area came from that construction. Now that the project is complete, there is no focus on the other stretches.

Chhoti Bhitarli road has been extensively damaged and became inaccessible again after Sunday's rain. There is a primary school in the area, and children have to take a longer route because the road is still not usable," said Naresh Singh Pundir, a resident of Bhitarli.Locals also alleged that the construction of the Purkul ropeway and irregularities in the construction of Sainya Dham have further destabilised the area.

"The lesson has not been learnt. No slope-stabilisation work has been carried out, only cosmetic repairs have been done. Road connectivity remains poor and debris comes down with every spell of rain. Causeways get flooded regularly, disrupting movement. Illegal construction continues despite last year's disaster," said Pramod Jeet Deol, another resident.Meanwhile, a senior public works department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told TOI that a proposal for road works, including widening of the Kimadi-Mussoorie road and slope-stabilisation measures, is under consideration.Residents said the water pipeline supplying around 40,000 people was also affected after debris blocked it during last year's deluge. Although supply was restored within a few days, many households continue to face erratic water supply. "There are several leaks in the pipeline," said a resident of Salagaon.Officials of Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) told TOI that restoration of the damaged Purkul water scheme has been proposed at a cost of Rs 3.3 crore. The proposal is awaiting final approval and the tender process is under way.