Dehradun Water Crisis Eases: Partial Restoration After Devastating Cloudbursts

Dehradun saw partial restoration of its water supply after last week’s catastrophic cloudbursts and floods wreaked havoc on the region’s infrastructure. The natural disasters, which struck on September 15-16, damaged critical water sources and pipelines, severely disrupting the supply to approximately 235,000 residents across more than 40 areas of the city.

The affected water sources include Bijapur Head, Bandal Head, Kesarwala Head, Purkul Head, and Shahanshahi Head/Shikhar Fall Head, all of which sustained significant damage due to cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides. The calamities claimed 31 lives, left three people missing, and injured four others across nine locations, including Sahasradhara, Shikhar Falls, Jharipani, and Maldevta. Infrastructure such as houses, roads, and bridges also suffered extensive damage.

Temporary repairs to the damaged water sources and pipelines were completed by September 20, enabling a limited water supply of once daily, either in the morning or evening. Authorities have cautioned that full restoration will take time, as permanent repairs are still underway. In response, officials have urged residents to use water sparingly to ensure equitable distribution during this period of constrained supply.

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Rescue and repair operations continue across Dehradun, with local authorities prioritizing the restoration of essential services and infrastructure. The partial resumption of water supply offers relief to affected residents, but the call for judicious use underscores the ongoing challenges in fully recovering from the disaster’s impact.

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