Dehradun: The disaster in Dharali of Uttarkashi district has not only caused loss of life and property in large numbers, but the livelihood of local farmers has also been affected. Many animals in this area were buried under the debris and the farmers’ crops were also destroyed. Which has created a future crisis for the people.
In the Dharali disaster, along with considerable damage to apple orchards and Babugosa trees, the cultivation of kidney beans in large quantities in this area has also been damaged. In this way, not only have people in Dharali lost their business, but a future livelihood crisis has also arisen for the farmers.
Damage to agriculture: Since the disaster, the government is also engaged in assessing the damage here. According to the immediate assessment done by the Agriculture Department in this regard, agriculture has been damaged in 7.30 hectares of area in Uttarkashi district. Out of which 3.10 hectares of agriculture has been damaged in Dharali area. The agriculture department estimates that agricultural land worth Rs 7 crore 18 lakh has been damaged in Uttarkashi.
Loss of animals: In this Dharali disaster, not only farmers but also cattle rearers have suffered heavy losses. In the initial assessment, the Animal Husbandry Department has also confirmed that about 25 to 30 animals have been buried under the debris. However, this figure is expected to increase even more.
Crisis on crops: Most of the areas of Uttarkashi district are travel based. Apart from this, farming and animal husbandry are also the main source of livelihood for the people here. In such a situation, the disaster in many areas of the district has brought loss of life and property here as well as the crisis of future livelihood. The big thing is that the farming that is left at present is also becoming difficult to take to the market. This is because many areas of the district are cut off from the main road.
Efforts to provide relief to farmers: Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi says that the damage caused in Dharali is being assessed. At present, efforts are being made to provide relief to farmers based on the figures that have come out. There are some areas where relief is being provided by the Centre on the basis of agricultural losses. While many areas that have suffered losses come under the purview of insurance. Work is also underway to provide compensation to them.
The Animal Husbandry Department is also collecting data of animals. According to the information provided by the local people, 25 to 30 animals have died in this disaster. Apart from this, some more figures are expected to increase in the coming days. Efforts are also being made by the government to provide relief to animal keepers.
