Is the Uttarakhand Legal Services Team Supporting Disaster Victims in Dharali?

Uttarkashi, Aug 12 (NationPress) A delegation from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) is currently in Dharali within Uttarkhand's Uttarkashi district to verify that disaster-affected individuals are receiving essential support, including both psychological and medical care from relevant authorities.

The Legal Services Authorities in Uttarakhand extend assistance and resources to disaster victims via various schemes and initiatives. These encompass legal awareness initiatives, access to compensation programs, and support in obtaining government relief services.

These authorities also collaborate with various agencies to guarantee that victims receive crucial psychological and medical aid.

In a conversation with IANS, DLSA Secretary and Civil Judge Sachin Kumar stated, "NALSA has implemented a program named 'Legal Services to Disaster Victims,' introduced in 2010. We are performing field visits to put this program into action. Our team faced delays due to road closures, but we are now using air travel. We will evaluate whether the victims' fundamental needs—food, clothing, and shelter—are being met."

The visiting entourage consists of approximately 10-12 members, including senior lawyers, female advocates, personnel from NGOs, NDRF, and SDRF, along with doctors. They will conduct field assessments and compile a report for submission to the High Court.

"One of our teams is currently in Dharali assessing the situation. Thankfully, there are no reported injuries. Tourists have been evacuated, and only local residents remain in Dharali. Our goal is to confirm that they are receiving the basic relief supplies," Kumar added.

Mahavir Prasad Bhatt, President of the Uttarkashi Bar Association, informed IANS, "Following directives from the Supreme Court and High Court, under the guidance of the District Judge (Senior Division) and the DLSA Secretary, we are visiting the disaster-impacted area of Dharali."

"We will evaluate the status of the victims and verify that they are receiving all vital items necessary for daily living. Currently, the government is fulfilling its responsibilities, and we will ensure this support continues. Following our assessment, a report will be drafted for the High Court," he added.

The DLSA guarantees free, competent legal assistance to qualified individuals, enhances legal awareness among the public—particularly among beneficiaries of social legislations—and delivers support through the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System.

Additionally, it determines the compensation amount to be awarded to victims per the provisions of the Victim Compensation Schemes of 2013 and 2020, among its various responsibilities.