Dehradun DM Orders Immediate Action Against Unauthorized Road Cutting; Machine Seized During Site Inspection of Seemadwar Drainage Project
District Magistrate conducts on-site review of DPR for ₹14.25 crore Seemadwar drain reconstruction project announced by the Chief Minister
Project aims to provide a permanent solution to waterlogging in the Shastrinagar–Seemadwar area; public suggestions to be incorporated before finalizing the DPR
Unauthorized road cutting halted immediately; machinery seized and departmental action initiated against responsible officials
Dehradun:
In a significant step towards resolving the persistent waterlogging problem in Dehradun’s Shastrinagar–Seemadwar area, District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan on Wednesday conducted a detailed on-site inspection of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the reconstruction and strengthening of the Seemadwar drainage system. The inspection was carried out jointly with officials from the Irrigation Department and other concerned departments under the announcement made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
During the inspection, the District Magistrate also took swift action against an unauthorized road-cutting activity being carried out without the mandatory approvals. The work was stopped immediately, the machine involved was seized, and directions were issued to initiate departmental action against the officials found responsible.
₹14.25 Crore Project to Strengthen Urban Drainage Infrastructure
The proposed project has been prepared to address the recurring issue of waterlogging caused by rapid urbanization and increased stormwater flow in the Seemadwar and Shastrinagar areas.
The proposed drain originates near the motor road adjoining Anurag Nursery in Shastrinagar–Seemadwar, passes behind Asian Public School, joins a local drain near the ITBP campus, and ultimately discharges into the Asan River near Chandrabani.
According to the DPR, an RCC barrel drain measuring approximately 2,160 metres in length will be constructed. The proposed drain will have a width of 2.25 metres, a depth of 2.40 metres, and a design discharge capacity of 20.08 cumecs. The project also includes the construction of side drains and other traffic-related infrastructure to improve drainage efficiency and public convenience.
Detailed Ground Assessment Conducted
During the joint inspection, officials assessed the existing condition of the drain, the catchment area, the direction of water flow, bottlenecks affecting drainage, and the impact on nearby residential localities.
District Magistrate Dr. Chauhan stated that the project, estimated to cost approximately ₹14.25 crore, is intended to provide a permanent solution to flooding and waterlogging in the area. He emphasized that suggestions received from local residents, public representatives, and stakeholders would be incorporated before the DPR is finalized to ensure that the project meets local requirements effectively.
Immediate Crackdown on Unauthorized Road Cutting
While inspecting the area, the District Magistrate received a complaint regarding ongoing road-cutting work. Upon verification, it was found that excavation was being carried out without following the prescribed procedure and without obtaining approval from the competent authority.
Considering the restrictions imposed during the monsoon season, the District Magistrate ordered the work to be stopped immediately. The machinery being used for the unauthorized activity was seized, and instructions were issued to determine accountability and initiate departmental proceedings against the responsible officials.
Directions for Immediate Road Restoration
The District Magistrate directed the concerned departments to restore the damaged road at the earliest and coordinate with the Municipal Corporation to ensure the prompt restoration of public services and convenience.
He reiterated that any negligence, unauthorized work, or violation of prescribed procedures in public infrastructure projects would not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible to safeguard public interest and ensure accountability.
The inspection was attended by SDM Sadar Apoorva Singh, Assistant Engineer of the Irrigation Department Mahendra Singh Bora, Executive Engineer Purushottam, officials from the Forest Department, and other concerned officers.
