By Brig Sarvesh Dutt Dangwal (Retd)
Uttarakhand, known for centuries as Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods), is today being tragically identified as a land of disasters. This shift in perception is both painful and deeply concerning. Over the past four decades, the state has faced numerous natural calamities resulting in massive loss of lives and property. Be it the 1991 Uttarkashi earthquake, the 1998 Malpa landslide, the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, or more recently, the devastating tragedy in Dharali-Harsil on 5 August 2025 — each of these events is not only nature’s warning but also a grim saga of our policy failures and human negligence.
Himalayan Fragility & Ecological Imbalance
The Himalayas are one of the youngest and most sensitive mountain ranges in the world.
Its geological structure is inherently unstable, and its ecology rests on a fragile balance. Global climate change and relentless, unregulated human interference are dangerously disrupting this balance. Every year during the monsoon, landslides, cloudbursts, floods, and land subsidence have become almost routine occurrences.
But now the critical question arises: Are these merely ‘natural’ disasters?
The clear answer is — No.
Political Neglect and Unplanned Development
The devastation we witness in Uttarakhand is not just the wrath of nature, but also the result of criminal negligence by governments and the conspiracy of unchecked so-called development.
Widening of roads beyond the prescribed norms by NHAI, carving out tunnels by cutting through mountains, constructing multi-storeyed buildings and hotels along riverbanks — these are decisions that have destroyed the Himalayan terrain. Warnings from geologists and environmental experts were repeatedly ignored.
So, when villages sink, roads collapse, and people are buried under debris — it is not just nature but also those policymakers, driven by greed and political motives, who are to blame for playing with Uttarakhand’s future.
Failure of Political Parties: Collective Responsibility of Congress and BJP
Both national parties — Congress and BJP, who have held power in Uttarakhand — have collectively ruined the state’s nature, culture, and identity.
During their respective tenures, they promoted destruction in the name of development. Projects were sanctioned by circumventing and manipulating environmental clearance. The voice of the local people was ignored. Transparency and accountability were entirely absent.
In such a situation, it becomes a moral responsibility of the people of Uttarakhand to ensure that neither party is brought back to power. This is no longer about political
strategy — it is a question of survival.
And then, the Prime Minister suggests we promote “sun-bathing tourism” here. What an irony!
Dharali and Harsil: The Tragedy of 5 August 2025
The recent calamity in the Dharali-Harsil region has once again shown how dangerous large-scale construction can be in the Himalayas.
Local villagers, who have lived there for generations, have been rendered homeless. Crops have been destroyed, transport has come to a standstill, and many lives were lost.
Though relief efforts began, the government once again appeared helpless and unprepared. Tragically, even during and after the disaster, while there was no glaring absence of administrative responsiveness but it was made redundant by political callousness and human avarice that has always undergirded such tragedies.
Role of Veterans: A Disciplined Force with Collective Duty
In times when political machinery and bureaucracy seem paralysed, the role of ex-servicemen and paramilitary veterans becomes immensely vital.
Our training, discipline, and leadership set us apart. We must now rise beyond mere organisational meetings and social events.
This is the time to step forward and serve — through ration distribution, clothing, tarpaulins, medicines, manpower, and emotional support.
We must set aside internal divisions and form a united ‘Disaster Assistance Committee’ — a joint operating mechanism focused on relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction, independent of the government but more effective and timely.
Organisational Unity and Leadership
There are hundreds of veteran organisations operating in Uttarakhand. But when it comes to united action, we become fragmented — this is our greatest weakness.
This is a time of crisis, and it affects our own people. It is time to show leadership — not personal, but collective.
All organisations must come together under one respected and senior veteran officer to act in unison on one platform.
Public Awakening and Long-Term Measures
Relief should not stop at emergency aid alone. We need a political awakening.
This is no longer just a natural disaster — it is a political failure.
The people of Uttarakhand must wake up. Elections in this state are increasingly being fought on the grounds of caste, religion, money power and false promises, while core issues of the hills remain ignored. This is leading us towards ruin.
We need leadership that stands for the dignity of the mountains, protects nature, and cares for the lives of the people. One that works not for land, but with conscience.
That would be the true responsibility towards this
suffering state.
Conclusion: A Pledge to Protect Devbhoomi
Uttarakhand is not just a state — it is the centre of our faith, identity, and existence. Today, its very existence is under threat — not just from disasters, but from political failures and our own silence.
We must no longer remain silent.
Veterans, youth, intellectuals, social organisations — all must rise together to launch a public movement dedicated to preserving nature, public welfare, and genuine development.
I humbly appeal to all — let the tragedies like Dharali and Harsil shake us, awaken us, and unite us — so we may restore Devbhoomi to its true essence.
“If Uttarakhand is to be saved, then rise, awaken, and unite!”
I pledge my complete physical, mental, and financial support to every such effort.
Jai Hind. Jai Uttarakhand.
