Garhwal Post Bureau
Uttarkashi, 8 Sep: A high-level Inter-Ministerial team constituted by the Central Government reached the disaster-affected regions of Uttarakhand this evening and has begun a thorough assessment of damages caused by recent natural calamities. The team, comprising Joint Secretary R Prasanna, Member Director Finance Shailesh Kumar, Chief Engineer Pankaj Singh, and Deputy Director Vikas Sachan, reached Dharali-Harsil in Uttarkashi this afternoon for a ground-level inspection, where they engaged directly with both local officials and those affected by the disaster. During the visit, villagers submitted before the team their grievances and sought a prompt redressal for losses suffered to their homes, businesses, gardens, crops, and hotels. They urged the team for timely provision of rehabilitation, employment opportunities, resettlement assistance, and financial compensation to address their hardship and restore normalcy.
The inspection included a comprehensive evaluation of damages sustained to crucial infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public buildings, and utility lines for electricity and water supply, while also considering the adverse impact on agriculture, livestock, and the livelihood of the local residents. Members of the team also sought details regarding relief and rescue activities undertaken at the time of the disaster, paying particular attention to the availability of food, potable water, medical care, and temporary shelter for affected families.
During the inspection, team leader R Prasanna assured that systematic documentation of losses to life and property is being undertaken with the assistance of local administration. He further stated that the findings from these surveys would be compiled in a report for submission to the union government, which would form the basis for the announcement of a relief package encompassing damages to residential properties, livelihoods, farmlands, and standing crops.
District Magistrate, Uttarkashi, Prashant Arya stated that this inspection represents an important step towards delivering swift and effective assistance to those affected by the disaster. The detailed report generated by the central team will be forwarded to the Central Government, following which the government will make a final decision regarding relief measures. This collaborative exercise marks a coordinated effort between Central and State Governments to ensure comprehensive post-disaster reconstruction and enable the gradual restoration of day-to-day life in the state.
Later, the team led by Prasanna also conducted an aerial survey of Tharali, Chepadon, Sol Valley, and other disaster-affected localities in district Chamoli and then also discussed the situation in detail with District Magistrate Chamoli, Sandeep Tiwari at Government Polytechnic Kulsari. During this interaction, Tiwari submitted an in-depth presentation regarding the extent of damage in areas such as Nandangar, Tharali, Chepadon, and Dewal, along with information on the loss of departmental assets. The visit underscores the Centre’s support for and close engagement with Uttarakhand’s disaster management efforts as the state faces one of its most challenging monsoon seasons in recent years.
