Uttarkashi: Anger is brewing in Uttarkashi’s Dharali and Harshil villages after families devastated by recent flash floods were handed Rs 5,000 cheques as “immediate relief”, a fraction of the Rs 5 lakh compensation earlier announced by the Uttarakhand government.
In protest, residents refused the cheques, accusing the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led administration of trivialising their losses.
Villagers Reject Interim Aid, Demand Full Compensation
The cheques, distributed to affected households in the flood-hit areas, sparked protests, with locals insisting the amount was grossly insufficient given the destruction of homes, businesses, and farmland. “Assured five lakh, got five thousand, this is an insult,” a villager said during the demonstration, as quoted by India Today.
Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya defended the move, clarifying the payments were only an interim measure. “After evaluating the entire loss and preparing a detailed report, proper compensation will be given,” he said. The chief minister has pledged Rs 5 lakh for families who lost homes and for next of kin of those killed. A three-member panel, led by the Revenue Secretary, is preparing a rehabilitation and livelihood revival plan, with a preliminary report expected within a week.
Rescue Efforts Continue As Damage Assessment Underway
Meanwhile, rescue operations entered their fifth day on Saturday, with helicopters airlifting stranded residents and delivering food to cut-off hamlets. In Dharali bazar, where a mudslide flattened hotels, homestays, and shops, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, aided by a dog squad and thermal imaging devices, continued their search.
Official figures confirm five dead, two bodies recovered, and 49 people still missing. More than 1,000 people have been evacuated so far from the disaster-hit region. The administration is also assessing damage to homes, farms, and property to finalise further compensation.
Chief Minister Dhami said evacuation was nearly complete, with efforts now focused on restoring electricity, mobile connectivity, and road access. Community kitchens have been set up to provide survivors with food, clothing, and essential supplies.
