DEHRADUN: Villagers devastated by a recent cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarakhand, are demanding a comprehensive reconstruction of their settlement, drawing parallels to the ambitious redevelopment of Kedarnath Dham.
They have also strongly advocated for relocation to nearby villages, specifically Jangla, Lanka, and Kopang, to preserve their community ties.
A three-member high-level government committee arrived in the affected area on Wednesday to assess the situation and engage with residents. The committee, comprising Revenue Secretary Dr Surendra Narayan Pandey, UCAADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Ashish Chauhan, and Additional Finance Secretary Himanshu Khurana, conducted extensive inspections to evaluate aspects crucial for rehabilitation and livelihood restoration.
During consultations, villagers emphatically conveyed that the scale of their loss cannot be quantified solely in monetary terms. "Our centuries-old cultural heritage and social fabric are deeply rooted in Dharali," explained a local. They stressed that while displacement might be necessary, resettlement must occur in adjacent areas to maintain their community's integrity.
Sachindra Panwar, whose Kalp Kedar Hotel was buried under debris, echoed the sentiment of dozens of villagers. "We have requested relocation to Jangla, Lanka, and Kopang, and urged the reconstruction of Dharali on the lines of the Kedarnath Dham redevelopment," Panwar stated.
Another affected resident, Kaushik Panwar, appealed for safe storage sheds for local apple growers near main roads. District Magistrate Uttarkashi, Prashant Arya, assured residents that shed construction would be prioritised once road connectivity is restored. He also confirmed that surveys of damaged crops and apple trees have been completed.
Bhupendra Singh, owner of Hotel Himalayan Paradise and Srikant Homestay, whose hotel and an orchard of 90 apple trees were destroyed, shared a poignant account. "I have seen myself go from poverty to being a millionaire and now 'road-pati' (penniless)," he emotionally recounted, "but with the grace of Baba Kalp-Kedar, everything will be rebuilt; this is my inner conviction."
He added, "We hope the government will adopt a completely humane approach, understand the pain of all affected, and leave no stone unturned in resettling them."
Committee Chairman Dr Surendra Narayan Pandey acknowledged the "extremely sad and painful" tragedy. "The central and state governments, along with the administration, stand shoulder to shoulder with the affected families," he stated, promising that both immediate and long-term recovery efforts would be prioritised, with a comprehensive roadmap for compensation underway.
Dr Ashish Chauhan and Himanshu Khurana affirmed that suitable relocation options would be presented to affected families, guiding the displacement process.
