Protests in Dehradun as elevated corridor project raises more concerns following last week’s rain disaster

The plan for the project has raised concerns that the flow channels could push floodwaters onto banks, and that aquifers could be jeopardised if embankments, pillars, and floodwalls are built along the rivers.

On Sunday, the rally taken out by multiple stakeholders opposed the proposed project. Speakers, including environmentalist Ravi Chopra, alleged that the project would destroy the Rispana and Bindal rivers, displace tens of thousands of people, increase urban heat, worsen drinking water shortage, escalate pollution, and cause serious damage to the environment. The protesters said last week’s disaster has made it even clearer that this project would be disastrous for the whole city.

Shankar Gopal of Chetna Andolan said the recent rain-related disaster should show how vulnerable this city is. “Had these roads been in place, the presence of massive amounts of rubble and pillars in the river beds would have made the flood damage many times worse,” he said.

The plan for the roads has also led to concerns regarding the carrying capacity in Dehradun and Mussoorie. “Every tourist season, the Mussoorie road sees hours-long jams. The government has just implemented a registration system for tourists to regulate their numbers. Yet, now the same government wants to build roads that will increase the number of private vehicles by a large amount,” Gopal said.

Protesters demanded that the proposed project be scrapped, that a survey of disaster-affected people be carried out immediately and all affected provided relief and compensation, and that the Rispana and Bindal rivers be rejuvenated. They also demanded that instead of spending crores on the projects, the public transport system be strengthened by introducing at least 500 new buses in the city and that travel be made free for women, students, and senior citizens.