HALDWANI: In a major step towards addressing Haldwani’s recurring monsoon flooding, the state government has granted in-principle approval for the first phase of a comprehensive drainage project proposed by the Irrigation Department. The project is aimed at improving stormwater management, reducing waterlogging and upgrading the city’s drainage infrastructure.
The overall drainage plan has been estimated at ₹1,003.42 crore. Under the first phase, works worth ₹430.23 crore have been proposed, of which projects valued at ₹195.64 crore have received in-principle approval. Officials said the remaining works will be taken up in subsequent phases.
According to the Irrigation Department, the project includes the improvement of 10.25 kilometres of the Raksiya drain and 1.55 kilometres of the Kalsiya drain. The drains will be lined to prevent seepage and enhance their carrying capacity. The plan also provides for the shifting of electricity, water supply and other utility lines that currently pass over the drains.
The project also proposes the construction of new pumping stations in low-lying areas to prevent waterlogging. Existing drains will be interconnected to enable rainwater to flow directly into the river, a measure expected to reduce flooding on roads, ease traffic congestion and minimise the risk of water-borne diseases during the monsoon season.
Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department Sanjay Shukla said the tendering process for six packages would begin once funds are released by the government. He added that priority would be given to areas that experience severe waterlogging every year.
The approval is part of a larger ₹3,394.22-crore drainage plan for the Kumaon region, under which drainage systems in 15 towns and cities will be upgraded in the first phase. Officials said the initiative seeks to restore scientific drainage systems by addressing issues such as encroachments and disrupted natural water channels in rapidly expanding urban centres.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
