Urban planning experts and concerned citizens in Dehradun have sounded a stark alarm over the proposed Rispana-Bindal elevated corridor, warning that the massive infrastructure project could dangerously increase flood risks for the state capital and the hill town of Mussoorie.
Citizens and Experts Unite Against the Project
The growing opposition crystallized during the inaugural session of the 'Rispana-Bindal Knowledge Series' organized by the Dehradun Citizens' Forum (DCF) on Tuesday. Residents and activists gathered to demand that authorities halt the ambitious project before construction begins. The session featured a detailed presentation by Pune-based architect and river expert Sarang Yadwadkar, who outlined the severe geographical and environmental threats posed by the plan.
Yadwadkar explained that the 26-km-long elevated corridor, planned directly on the riverbeds of Dehradun's two primary rivers, could catastrophically disrupt natural water flow. He emphasized that the region's vulnerability is already high. "Climate change has intensified in recent years, especially in the hills where cloudbursts are becoming more frequent," Yadwadkar stated. He noted that rainfall, though occurring over fewer days, has grown more intense, and combined with the steep mountain slopes of the catchment areas and the fact that the region lies in Seismic Zone IV, a major cloudburst could lead to widespread devastation.
Multiple Threats: From Riverbeds to Public Health
Experts at the meeting pointed out that the riverbeds have already narrowed significantly due to encroachments. Constructing pillars for the elevated road along these constricted banks would further obstruct water flow, potentially turning the rivers into destructive forces during extreme weather. The project's environmental cost was another major point of contention. Citizens raised concerns about:
- Large-scale concretisation in the city centre.
- Indiscriminate felling of trees.
- Heavy construction traffic, potentially requiring hundreds of truck trips daily, worsening air pollution and public health.
Participants also alleged a severe lack of transparency, forcing residents to file Right to Information (RTI) applications to access basic project details. DCF member Anoop Nautiyal announced that the knowledge series would continue with future sessions to examine other dimensions of the proposed corridor.
Legal Scrutiny and Project Stakes
The controversy is no longer confined to public forums. Concerns have been repeatedly voiced in administrative public hearings, and the matter has now reached the judiciary. The Uttarakhand High Court has taken cognisance of petitions filed against the proposed construction, adding a legal dimension to the civic protest.
Promoted as a solution to provide commuters faster access to Mussoorie, the Rs 6,200 crore project is at a critical juncture. With expert warnings highlighting amplified flood risks, active citizen mobilization, and ongoing legal review, the future of Dehradun's ambitious elevated corridor hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that weighs developmental aspirations against ecological and public safety imperatives.
