How has the natural calamity impacted Uttarkashi?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttarkashi faces significant economic challenges due to a recent natural disaster.
- Estimated damages stand at Rs 845 crore and are still being assessed.
- Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been severely impacted.
- The government is committed to providing aid and initiating recovery efforts.
- Chamoli district is also experiencing challenges due to the calamity.
Uttarkashi, Sep 12 (NationPress) A recent natural calamity has significantly impacted the economy and developmental initiatives in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, according to officials.
District Magistrate Prashant Kumar Arya has reported that the current estimated damage is approximately Rs 845 crore. The catastrophe has destroyed roads, bridges, irrigation systems, drinking water projects, and rural infrastructure. Numerous homes in villages have been impacted, and substantial portions of agricultural and horticultural land have been eroded. This devastation poses a serious threat to the residents' livelihoods.
Arya has assured that all possible support will be extended to the affected families, and reconstruction efforts will commence immediately.
He stated, “We have set aside Rs 845 crore as relief for the district. However, this amount may change as we are still assessing the damage.”
The District Magistrate emphasized that the administration is in close coordination with both the central and state governments to restore normalcy in the impacted areas swiftly. The staggering loss of Rs 845 crore underscores the seriousness of the natural disaster and indicates a profound social and economic crisis. The recurring natural disasters in the hilly regions continue to challenge local communities. The government now faces the significant task of recovery and rehabilitation.
Chamoli also suffered extensive damage from the disaster.
In Chamoli district, the calamity has caused severe disruption. Ankit Pandey, the District Supply Officer of Chamoli, informed that relief operations are advancing rapidly in the affected regions of Tharali. The department has provided sufficient food grains and around 2,000 refreshment kits to the impacted populace.
He noted, “In various areas, roads have been compromised, isolating access. In these locations, ration kits have been dispatched via the Tehsil administration. Moreover, relief supplies are being airlifted by helicopters to reach hard-hit regions.”
Pandey mentioned that rations for the months of May and June through August had already been distributed. However, due to the flooding in Tharali, certain areas remain inaccessible due to road blockages. While September rations have arrived in open-access zones, delivering supplies to remote, blocked areas is still a challenge. The administration is diligently working to ensure prompt delivery of relief supplies to these isolated locations.