A recent ground inspection along the 5-kilometer stretch of GMS Road in Dehradun, from Balliwala Chowk towards Majra, has uncovered a range of persistent civic problems. These include encroached footpaths, illegal parking, clogged drains, and severe traffic congestion at key junctions.
Pedestrian Woes and Encroachments
Pedestrians are forced to walk on the road as footpaths remain broken or are occupied by parked vehicles, further reducing available space. Construction and demolition waste is also dumped along the roadside, with discarded signboards and pipes partially blocking footpaths.
Shopkeepers near Balliwala Chowk highlighted recurring waterlogging during the monsoon season. Yash Banga, a local shop owner, stated, “Drains here get choked every year, leading to water accumulation. Even now, they haven’t been cleaned, so the same problem is likely to recur this year.”
Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion at Balliwala Chowk remains a major concern for commuters. Despite a free left turn at the junction, heavy congestion often makes it inaccessible. Vipin Albert, another shopkeeper, noted, “The jam gets so severe that people often take a longer route via Maharani Bagh and then towards Prem Nagar.”
Residential Area Issues
Inside nearby residential pockets, conditions are relatively better, but residents pointed to several concerns. At Engineer’s Enclave, the Resident Welfare Association highlighted encroachment near the society’s entrance and non-functional streetlights. RWA Vice-President RK Aggarwal said, “Encroachment near the entry point is an issue, and streetlights don’t work properly. There’s also a vacant plot near the entrance that has become a garbage dumping site.” He added that since the approach road falls under the Public Works Department, residents are unable to install a gate despite repeated demands.
Drainage Problems
Towards the Majra end of the road, drains were found clogged at several points, vehicles parked on footpaths, and traffic chokepoints added to the chaos. Ward 42 Councillor Renu Devi commented, “The drain near the chowk is perpetually choked. Municipal workers have cleaned it several times, but it needs to be cleared properly using a JCB machine by PWD.”
Authorities Respond
A representative of Ward 76 Councillor Poonam Pundir assured that steps are being taken. “We are addressing the concerns and will get the drains cleaned. A meeting is scheduled soon to work out a solution,” the representative said.
