The Rispana and Bindal rivers are more than just water sources; they’re vital parts of Dehradun’s history. For many in the older generation, these rivers symbolize a vibrant past—clean waters surrounded by lush greenery and fruitful orchards. Sadly, in recent decades, neglect and pollution have changed them into hazardous channels. Floods due to extreme weather events now threaten lives in nearby communities, a stark warning of our environmental mismanagement.
Tragically, devastating floods struck in August 2022 and again in July 2023, leading to loss of life and destruction of property. More recently, mid-September brought heavy rains that resulted in 13 deaths in Dehradun alone, and the state’s monsoon-related casualties exceeded 263. Most of these tragedies unfolded not only due to natural factors but also because vulnerable homes were allowed to pop up along riverbanks.
Each monsoon season, families living near Rispana and Bindal risk losing everything to floodwaters, which can also spread diseases. The constant threat has heightened their anxiety, especially given the recent catastrophic events. Much of this situation stems from human actions—continued encroachment on floodplains with little governmental enforcement has dangerously narrowed the rivers’ banks. Illegal developments have left these communities exposed.
What’s clear is that any response requires empathy. A reassessment of local policies is necessary to ensure that people living near these rivers can move to safer areas without feeling evicted. This transition should be seen as a chance for these families to reclaim their lives with dignity.
Additionally, relocating these communities could benefit the rivers ecologically as well. Right now, much of their length serves as dumping grounds for trash and untreated waste. This has turned Rispana and Bindal into mere open sewage channels, a far cry from their historical significance. Clearer banks could allow for green spaces, drainage systems, and natural landscaping, restoring the rivers to their former glory. They could once again be healthy water bodies contributing to Dehradun’s environment.
Traffic congestion is worsening in Dehradun. With over 1.3 million registered vehicles—a growth rate of 8-10% annually—city streets struggle to accommodate the influx, particularly during tourist season. In response, elevated roads and flyovers present a potential solution, but they must be designed thoughtfully to preserve the rivers’ integrity. Elevated structures can limit natural floodplains, increasing the risk of flash floods downstream. Studies show that maintaining these natural areas can significantly prevent flooding and promote biodiversity by keeping habitats intact.
A beneficial approach would be to create an integrated mobility grid, diverting traffic away from critical areas while enhancing public transport. Options could include:
- Redirecting elevated corridors to outer city highways.
- Establishing flyovers at major traffic choke points.
- Creating connectors between less congested roadways.
- Encouraging park-and-ride systems for tourists.
- Improving public transport options like electric buses.
As climate change continues to escalate rainfall intensity, innovative road designs can also make travel safer. Elevated roads would keep vehicles and emergency services operational even during floods. Keeping traffic away from riverbanks allows for rivers to reclaim their spaces during high water events, helping prevent destructive surges.
Concerns about aesthetic impacts from elevated roads can be addressed through careful planning. These structures are often lower than existing buildings, and the natural beauty of the surrounding hills would remain untouched. Across the globe, cities are shifting towards sustainable travel options—Dehradun could adopt similar measures to reduce reliance on private cars and ease road congestion.
In summary, the fate of Rispana and Bindal isn’t just about local infrastructure; it’s about creating a sustainable future. By combining thoughtful relocation with infrastructure improvement and climate resilience, residents can achieve a safer living environment while restoring these historic rivers to their natural state.
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Environment blog, India blog, Ashish Garg blog, Voices blog
