Heavy pre-monsoon showers on Sunday once again exposed Dehradun’s persistent drainage problems, leaving several key areas waterlogged and raising concerns ahead of the full monsoon season.

Major trouble spots included Prince Chowk, GMS Road, ISBT, and Saharanpur Road, where ongoing infrastructure work further complicated the situation. In Arhat Market, traders complained that repeated flooding continues to damage their businesses. “There was severe waterlogging in Arhat Market last year, and just last week, rains flooded our godowns again. There is no improvement despite repeated complaints,” said Vinod Goyal of the Arhat Market Association, TOI reported.

Residents in Rajender Nagar also voiced frustration over inadequate drain cleaning. “Civic authorities claim they cleaned the drains, but only half of them were cleared. The debris continues to choke them. Even the removed waste is left unattended and uncleared, which eventually flows back into the drains,” said local resident DD Arora. He added that flooding near Bindal prevented many domestic workers from reaching their jobs.

Commuters near Prince Chowk struggled with water-filled streets where roadside work remains incomplete.

Officials said some progress has been made. Municipal commissioner Namami Bansal confirmed three complaints were received on Sunday, but insisted the situation is better than in previous years.

Meanwhile, the irrigation department has proposed a Rs 34-crore drainage project for Prince Chowk, which is awaiting government approval. Sunday’s rain also led to the collapse of trees in Jakhan and Seema Dwar, though no casualties were reported, and traffic was restored promptly.

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Photo by Chirag Saini on Unsplash