Dehradun, Dec. 20 -- At least 150 residents from Dehradun and Mussoorie have written a signed letter to Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, demanding an immediate halt to the proposed Rispana-Bindal Elevated Road project. The signatories include 146 citizens associated with the Dehradun Citizens Forum and other resident groups. While stating that they are not opposed to development, the residents have raised 21 serious concerns against the proposed 26-kilometre elevated corridor, arguing that Dehradun is already struggling with unplanned growth, traffic congestion and ecological stress. The letter highlights the city's seismic vulnerability, stating that the city lies between the Main Boundary Thrust and the Himalayan Frontal Thrust and now falls under the highest seismic risk category in updated BIS maps. It adds that the Rispana and Bindal rivers flow through loose sand, gravel and silt that could liquefy even during moderate earthquakes, threatening the stability of elevated pillars and nearby habitations. Citing flash floods on September 15-16 this year, the residents also warned that construction over riverbeds would obstruct natural flow and heighten flood risks in low-lying areas. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal said, "The elevated road will not ease local traffic congestion and may create major bottlenecks at Mussoorie Diversion points, while offering no relief at key city intersections. The government should focus on an alternative vision centred on blue-green corridors, river restoration, effective public transport, improved public parking, walking and cycling infrastructure, and tree buffers instead of concrete-heavy interventions." The Rispana-Bindal elevated road project is a major infrastructure proposal in Dehradun that envisages constructing long elevated corridors over the city's two main rivers - Rispana and Bindal. PWD secretary Pankaj Kumar Pandey didn't respond to calls by HT....