Protest in Dehradun against elevated road project after recent deadly floods

A protest was held in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun on Sunday against the proposed Rispana-Bindal Elevated Corridor Project, with several stakeholders saying that it would destroy rivers and displace thousands of residents, The Indian Express reported.

The protest came a week after at least 29 persons were killed and eight reported missing following heavy rainfall that triggered flooding and landslides in the district.

The Rs 6,200-crore road project covering about 26 km is planned over the riverbeds of Dehradun’s two main rivers, Rispana and Bindal. It comprises two roads that are expected to reduce traffic congestion in the city and help tourists reach Mussoorie faster.

The project puts more than 2,600 structures at risk of displacement from the land to be acquired, The Indian Express cited government data as stating.

The plan has also raised concerns about flow channels pushing floodwaters onto the banks, and the potential jeopardy to aquifers if embankments, pillars and flood walls are built along the two rivers.

On Sunday, hundreds of residents, along with activists, environmentalists and other stakeholders, held a protest march against the proposed project, The Times of India reported. They marched from Gandhi Park to Lansdowne Chowk, where the police stopped them.

The protesters were allowed to end their march at Kanak Chowk, where a memorandum of demands was handed over to the city magistrate.

During the protest, several speakers, including environmentalist...

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