DM Dr. Ashish Chauhan Conducts Ground Inspection Amid Heavy Rainfall, Reviews Disaster-Prone Areas in Dehradun
Inspects Karligarh, Sahastradhara and Sapera Basti; Issues Strict Safety and Relief Instructions
Orders Immediate Restoration of Sahastradhara-Sarona Road Blocked at Four Locations; Directs Enhanced Monitoring of Vulnerable Families
Dehradun, July 9, 2026
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a Red Alert and incessant heavy rainfall lashing Dehradun district, the district administration remains on high alert. Taking direct charge of the situation, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan conducted an on-ground inspection of the disaster-prone areas of Sahastradhara, Karligarh, and the highly vulnerable Sapera Basti on Thursday.
During the visit, the District Magistrate interacted with local residents, assessed the ground situation, assured them of all possible administrative support, and instructed officials to ensure swift relief and preventive measures without any delay.
Immediate Orders to Restore Sahastradhara-Sarona Road
The District Magistrate first inspected the Sahastradhara-Sarona motor road, which has been blocked at four different locations due to landslides and debris caused by continuous rainfall.
Officials from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) informed him that the road had suffered damage at more than eleven locations during the previous disaster. Although it had been temporarily restored, the absence of permanent protection measures and budget constraints have resulted in frequent closures even during moderate rainfall.
Dr. Chauhan immediately directed PMGSY officials to deploy JCB excavators from both ends of the affected stretch to clear debris and restore traffic at the earliest. He also assured that he would personally pursue the matter with the state government to secure funds for permanent slope stabilization and protection works, preventing recurring disruptions for local residents.
Safety of Families Across the River in Karligarh Prioritized
During the inspection at Karligarh, officials from the Irrigation Department informed the District Magistrate that debris removal, land leveling, and river channelization work following last year’s disaster had been completed.
However, expressing concern for families residing across the river, Dr. Chauhan instructed the tehsil administration to ensure that all such households have adequate stocks of food, drinking water, electricity, and other essential supplies.
He further directed officials to register the contact details of every family with the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) so that they can be alerted promptly and evacuated to safer locations if required.
Immediate Protective Measures Ordered in Sapera Basti
The District Magistrate also visited Sapera Basti, one of the district’s most disaster-sensitive settlements, where he personally interacted with residents to understand their concerns.
He directed officials to prepare an immediate estimate for the treatment of the adjoining drainage channel and the repair of damaged retaining walls. He also asked the Municipal Corporation to complete all protective works without delay.
Officials were instructed to immediately relocate families living in unsafe houses to secure locations and establish a robust early warning and alert system to minimize risks during heavy rainfall.
No Compromise on Public Safety
Emphasizing that public safety remains the administration’s highest priority, Dr. Chauhan instructed all departments to work in close coordination and respond promptly to any emergency. He made it clear that negligence in disaster preparedness, relief, or rescue operations would not be tolerated.
25.75 mm Rainfall Recorded; Several Roads Affected
According to the District Emergency Operations Centre, Dehradun recorded an average rainfall of 25.75 mm on July 9, 2026.
The Yamuna River is flowing at the danger mark, while the Ganga and Tons rivers remain below their respective danger levels. Authorities are maintaining continuous surveillance of all major rivers.
Heavy rainfall and landslides have also blocked the Haripur–Ichchari–Kuwanu–Meenas State Highway at three locations. Officials expect to restore traffic by Thursday evening.
In addition, 14 rural roads across the district have been rendered inaccessible due to debris and landslides. Restoration work is underway on a war footing using heavy machinery to reopen all affected routes as quickly as possible.
The inspection was attended by PMGSY Executive Engineer Raghuveer Singh Gusain, Irrigation Department Executive Engineer Dikshant Gupta, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Anand, District Disaster Management Officer Rishabh Kumar, along with senior officials from various departments.
