‘Road safety in Doon lax’: Residents demand more vigilance, adherence to regulations

Dehradun: Residents and activists have questioned the ‘lax attitude' of authorities towards road safety in Dehradun after an accident took place near Shikhar Falls on the city's outskirts in which an SUV plunged into a gorge, killing a youth a few days ago. This is the second such accident on a stretch where four-wheelers are not permitted. In a similar case in May 2024, two youths died at the same location after their SUV fell into the gorge.Residents and activists have criticised authorities for failing to address the risks along the stretch, which they believe is unsuitable for vehicular traffic. "Two accidents in as many years at the same stretch should have raised alarm bells for the authorities. How many more lives need to be lost before they notice?" resident Reenu Paul said, adding that the route is a pedestrian path and a heritage trail and its concretisation has led to increased and unsafe vehicle access.Residents allege that the absence of warning signage and vigilance has allowed unrestricted movement of vehicles, contributing to such incidents. They argue that repeated warnings from the community have gone unheeded. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal highlighted broader traffic management issues in the city, including poorly lit roads, overspeeding, drunk driving, non-functional traffic signals and flawed road design. "Strict vigilance and adherence to regulations are the need of the hour," he said.Authorities, however, maintain that steps are being taken to improve road safety. SP (Traffic) Lokjeet Singh said that identifying accident-prone zones remains a routine exercise. "We have reduced the number of black spots in the city from 47 to 11, and work is underway to bring this down through road widening, installation of signals and speed signage," he said. Officials added that warning signage may soon be installed near Shikhar Falls to deter vehicles from entering narrow paths and prevent accidents.