The continuous and heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand has triggered a concerning issue as groundwater begins to infiltrate houses in the Ganganagar area. This predicament has raised alarms among both residents and local authorities. The area’s lack of a robust drainage system has been an ongoing issue, resulting in waterlogging during the monsoon season. Unfortunately, the current torrential rains have exacerbated this problem, causing water to seep through the floors of houses.
Community activist Ekant Goyal has shed light on the geographical positioning of the Ganganagar region, situated along the banks of the Ganga River, and its glaring absence of an effective drainage network. Consequently, the annual monsoons have consistently led to water accumulation. The situation has taken a turn for the worse due to the intensified rainfall, causing water to permeate into residential structures.
Former government official Anoop Mittal has drawn attention to the rapid elevation of groundwater levels in response to the heavy downpours. He advocates for a comprehensive geological study of groundwater sources to ensure the safety and stability of homes in the Ganganagar area.
State Urban Development Minister Premchand Aggrawal has acknowledged the oversight in implementing a sufficient drainage system during the construction of Ganganagar. The situation has been exacerbated by the clogging of sewer lines with debris, further contributing to the issue of waterlogging.
In Uttarakhand, the heavy rains have triggered landslides and ground subsidence, leading to the collapse of several houses across different regions. Furthermore, a segment of the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway-58 suffered damage due to the relentless rainfall.
The impact is not confined to residential spaces but extends to crucial infrastructure as well. A portion of the revered Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple in Dehradun crumbled under the weight of incessant rain. Devotees encountered difficulties as pathways were obstructed by fallen trees and debris.
In the Kaluwala area of Dehradun, heavy rains have disrupted daily life, infiltrating homes and submerging streets in water. These incidents underscore the urgent requirement for improved drainage systems and comprehensive infrastructure planning in Uttarakhand. Addressing these issues is imperative to alleviate the adverse effects of heavy rainfall and waterlogging in the region.
