A recent Times of India inspection of Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun has highlighted persistent civic issues, including damaged footpaths and encroachments that force pedestrians onto the main roadway. At multiple locations, footpaths were found broken or ending abruptly, often opening into open drains clogged with garbage. Construction and demolition debris, sandwich boards, and street vendors selling sugarcane juice, fruits, and momos occupied spaces meant for pedestrian use.
Pedestrians at Risk
Keerthi Varma, a resident of Rajeshwar Nagar Phase 1 who studies near Kandoli, stated, "My friends and I walk this stretch every day. There are no proper footpaths, so we have to walk through traffic." Another student, Amrita Roy, added, "Vehicles move at high speed here. There are no speed limits or speed breakers, which makes it very dangerous."
Traffic and Parking Woes
Residents also raised concerns about traffic movement. Urja Chauhan, a resident of Gujrada Mansingh, said, "There is a need for U-turns at proper intervals. If people coming from IT Park have to go towards Do Bachhi Road, they often drive on the wrong side because the U-turn is too far. This is very common and risky." Parking violations exacerbate the problem, with vehicles parked haphazardly on footpaths or beyond designated white lines. HS Rana, a resident of Rajeshwar Nagar Phase 2, noted, "Illegal parking and waterlogging during the monsoon are the area's biggest concerns. The roads are broken and only patchwork has been done." He added, "During the monsoon, damaged portions fill with water and are not visible, leading to two-wheelers losing balance and accidents."
Monsoon Preparedness Concerns
Sristy Bahuguna, a resident of Kirsali, expressed concerns over monsoon preparedness, stating that recent rainfall exposed the stretch's vulnerabilities. "This rain was just a unit test that the road passed, but it needs to prepare much more for the finals, which is the monsoon," she said.
Authorities Respond
Ward 5 councillor Alpana Rana acknowledged the need for urgent drain cleaning. "The supervisor concerned has been told to complete the work before the onset of the monsoon," she said. Regarding encroachments, she explained, "We have told vendors on the stretch between Mandakini Vihar and IT Park to shift their carts several times. They have also been fined, but to no avail. They return the minute enforcement teams leave." She added that stricter enforcement is needed, suggesting teams be stationed there for several days or at least for a few hours in the evenings. Ward 59 councillor Sanjeet Bansal said work is underway to prepare the stretch for the monsoon. "Drains near Kirsali Chowk and Govt Inter College have been cleared. Near Drone Vatika, fresh RCC drain slabs have been installed and will take 10 to 15 days to dry, after which they will be cleaned," he said.
