Dehradun:
Even as the Rispana–Bindal Elevated Road project reaches an advanced stage, nearly 150 citizens from Dehradun and Mussoorie have flagged serious red alerts, writing to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari seeking an immediate halt to the 26-km elevated bypass.
The 146 signatories—linked to the Dehradun Citizens Forum and other groups—say they support development, but not at the cost of the Doon Valley’s safety and ecology. “An elevated road over rivers in a high seismic zone is a recipe for disaster,” said environmental activist Anoop Nautiyal.
Citizens point out that Dehradun lies between the Main Boundary Thrust and Himalayan Frontal Thrust and now falls in the highest seismic risk zone.
The Rispana and Bindal rivers flow through loose silt and gravel, vulnerable to liquefaction even during moderate earthquakes. “Ignoring geology will cost lives,” warned former bureaucrat Jagmohan Mehndiratta.
Flood risk remains another major concern. Referring to the September 15–16 flash floods, residents say pillars in riverbeds will obstruct natural flow and worsen flooding in areas like IT Park, Dalanwala and Race Course. “Rivers need space, not concrete,” said Mussoorie-based writer Ganesh Saili.
The letter also flags missing transparency—no Detailed Project Report, Environmental Impact Assessment or clear rehabilitation plan has been made public.
Nearly 3,000 families living along the rivers face displacement, while small traders risk losing livelihoods.
Costs have already jumped from ₹4,500 crore to ₹6,200 crore, and could cross ₹8,000–10,000 crore, even before construction.
J Citizens argue the bypass won’t ease city traffic and will instead create new choke points at Mussoorie Diversion, offering little relief to Saharanpur Chowk, Balliwala or Survey Chowk.
Calling for a rethink, citizens have urged the Centre to prioritise river restoration, electric buses, better use of existing roads, walking and cycling infrastructure. The question now is whether Gadkari will listen, or if the project will steam ahead despite mounting public resistance.
#Dehradun #RispanaBindal #ElevatedRoad #CitizenVoices #SeismicRisk #FloodThreat #SaveDoonValley #SustainableMobility
