Dehradun, Uttarakhand (19 December 2025) — Around 150 residents from Dehradun and nearby Mussoorie have formally opposed the proposed Rispana–Bindal Elevated Road project, writing a detailed letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari outlining their concerns about the 26-kilometre infrastructure plan.
The elevated road, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity, would run over the Rispana and Bindal riverbeds. While authorities argue it could support long-term development, residents and environmental groups say the plan may create more problems than solutions.
📄 Key Concerns Raised by Residents
The letter — signed by professionals, environmental activists, retired officials, traders, academics, and local citizens — highlighted 21 specific objections to the project. These include:
🔹 Seismic and Safety Risks
Residents pointed out that Dehradun lies in a high seismic risk zone, and the proposed riverbed foundations consist of loose sand and gravel. They argue this could make the elevated supports unstable in the event of even moderate earthquakes.
🔹 Flood Threats
Citing the flash floods of September 2024, locals warned that construction across the Rispana and Bindal rivers could obstruct natural water flow and increase flood risks in low-lying areas like IT Park, Dalanwala, Race Course, and Inder Road.
🔹 Environmental Damage
Concerns were raised about the disruption of natural ecosystems, loss of groundwater recharge, rising urban heat, worsening air quality, and harm to riverine habitats. These factors, they say, could outweigh the perceived benefits of the project.
🔹 Lack of Transparency
Residents also alleged procedural gaps, including the absence of a publicly released Detailed Project Report (DPR), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), project maps, and clear data on displacement or rehabilitation plans. They claimed mandatory public hearings were held without proper documentation or official recordings.
🔹 Escalating Costs and Displacement
The project’s estimated budget has reportedly risen from ₹4,500 crore to over ₹6,200 crore — and could potentially increase further. Residents labelled this financially imprudent and criticized the lack of a credible rehabilitation plan for the nearly 3,000 families who may be displaced by construction.
🛠️ Suggested Alternatives
Instead of elevated corridors, the letter cited the Comprehensive Mobility Plan–2024 prepared by the Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation, which proposes more sustainable and cost-effective approaches such as:
- Expansion of electric bus services
- Development of urban ropeways
- Better use and widening of existing roads
- Creation of pedestrian-friendly zones
These alternatives, residents argue, could improve mobility without major disruption to ecosystems or livelihoods.
📌 What’s Next?
The letter represents a growing public pushback against large-scale infrastructure projects that may bypass environmental safeguards and citizen input. While officials maintain the project aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity to Mussoorie, residents remain unconvinced that an elevated road — especially one built over sensitive riverbeds — is the right solution.
The debate continues as authorities review objections and community groups explore legal and civic avenues to ensure environmental, geological, and social concerns are thoroughly addressed
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