Dehradun: The recent disaster in Doon caused extensive damage, affecting not only roads, bridges, and houses but also drinking water pipelines. Around 35,000 people across various areas have been left struggling for water as multiple supply lines were either broken or washed away. Even five days later, the Jal Sansthan has been unable to fully restore supply from the Shikhar Fall source.
Residents of Rajpur, Jakhan, Malasi, and surrounding areas have been forced to depend on natural water sources. People are queuing up from early morning at roadside springs to collect water. The Shikhar Fall line remains completely damaged, leaving several colonies, including Rajpur wards one and four, Malasi, Kuthal Gate, Sapera Basti, Suman Nagar, and Cairwan village, without supply. Families are relying on streams along Old Mussoorie Road to fetch water in cans and containers.
During his inspection on September 17, Drinking Water Secretary Shailesh Bagoli had directed that supply be restored to all households by September 19. However, the target has not been achieved. The situation has become dire, with people traveling on scooters and bikes carrying cans, while some bathe and wash clothes directly at natural sources.
The Shikhar Fall system also caters to several parts of Dehradun city, worsening the crisis. On Saturday, Jal Sansthan teams managed to restore supply in some areas above Dilaram Bazaar. In affected localities, water tankers are being sent, but damaged roads have made access difficult in certain places.
