Haldwani is set to receive a major drainage upgrade after the government approved a 415-crore plan to reduce monsoon waterlogging and the risks posed by overflowing drains near residential areas.
The Irrigation Department has received an 8.5-crore first instalment for the project. Officials have already completed the tender process and are preparing to begin construction.
Drains flowing close to populated parts of the city often become hazardous during the monsoon. Overflowing water can enter nearby colonies, threaten houses and disrupt movement. The report also notes that many families have had to vacate their homes during such conditions.
5 drains to be upgraded
The project will cover improvement, widening, deepening and safety work on 5 drains. Their listed lengths are:
- Kalsiya: 900 metres
- Van Chowki: 4 kilometres
- Paniali: 4.6 kilometres
- Chinpur: 5.5 kilometres
- Raksia: 10.25 kilometres
The plan includes strengthening both sides of the drains while increasing their capacity to carry rainwater. Safety measures will also be undertaken along the selected routes.
The drainage work had not moved forward earlier because funds were pending, despite the tender process having been initiated. The release of the first instalment is expected to allow the department to proceed with construction.
Outfalls planned along Nainital Road
Areas alongside Nainital Road frequently face waterlogging after even short spells of rain. Until the water recedes, movement for residents and commuters can become difficult.
To improve drainage in this corridor, 3 outfalls are planned near Kathgodam, Bhotiya Padav and the Mandi area. These structures will carry rainwater directly towards the Gola River.
The locations are intended to improve the discharge of stormwater from parts of Nainital Road and reduce the accumulation of water in nearby areas. The plan combines work on existing drains with new outfalls for a broader drainage network.
Executive Engineer Dinesh Rawat of the Irrigation Department said the first instalment had been received and construction work was now being taken forward. The tender process had already been completed, he said.
Conclusion
The approved 415-crore plan will address 5 vulnerable drains and add 3 outfalls near Nainital Road. With the Irrigation Department receiving 8.5 crore rupees as the first instalment, construction is set to begin after the completed tender process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the value of Haldwani’s drainage plan?
The approved drainage plan is worth 415 crore rupees.
Q. How much money has the Irrigation Department received initially?
The department has received 8.5 crore rupees as the first instalment.
Q. How many drains will be improved?
5 drains have been selected for improvement, widening, deepening and safety work.
Q. Where will the new outfalls be built?
3 outfalls will be built near Kathgodam, Bhotiya Padav and the Mandi area along Nainital Road.
Q. Where will the outfalls send rainwater?
The outfalls will carry rainwater directly to the Gola River.
Q. Which drains are included in the project?
The selected drains are Kalsiya, Van Chowki, Paniali, Chinpur and Raksia.
Q. Has the tender process been completed?
Yes. The Irrigation Department has completed the tender process and is preparing to start construction.
