Uttarkashi: The high level committee constituted by the government on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive inspection in the disaster affected area Dharali. The high level committee evaluated the aspects necessary for rehabilitation and livelihood strengthening in Dharali. The committee included Secretary Revenue Dr. Surendra Narayan Pandey, Chief Executive Officer UCADA Dr. Ashish Chauhan and Additional Secretary Finance Himanshu Khurana.
The committee members held detailed discussions with the affected families and public representatives and the district administration and compiled their suggestions. The affected villagers demanded displacement in Jangla, Lanka and Kopang and urged to rebuild Dharali on the lines of the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham. On this occasion, disaster victim Kaushik Panwar stressed the need to build a shed for safe storage near the road for apple producers. District Magistrate Prashant Arya assured that the construction of the shed will be done on priority as soon as the road is restored.
Committee Chairman Dr. Surendra Narayan Pandey said that this tragedy is extremely sad and painful. The central and state government administration is standing shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this difficult time. Both immediate and long-term works will be completed with priority. A comprehensive roadmap will be prepared to compensate for the damage. Also, all possible assistance will be provided to the victims. DM Prashant Arya said that the survey of crops and apple trees damaged in the disaster has been completed. The work of road restoration is going on on a war footing. Relief funds have been distributed to the affected families. Food items and essential commodities are being made available regularly. Also, search and rescue operations are going on continuously.
Chief Executive Officer UCADA Ashish Chauhan and Additional Secretary Himanshu Khurana said that suitable options will be provided to the affected families for displacement. On the basis of which the process of displacement will move forward. A complete list of damaged assets will be prepared and sent to the government.
Gangotri Highway could not be made operational even on the eighth day: Even after eight days, traffic could not be made operational beyond Dabrani on Gangotri Highway. Due to no vehicular movement beyond Dabrani on the highway, the disaster affected people of Dharali-Harsil area are facing huge difficulties in commuting. About 400 meters of road portion in various places in Songad is completely destroyed. DM Prashant Arya reached Dabrani, Songad on Wednesday and inspected the highway. Border Roads Organisation has been instructed to make additional efforts to make the road smooth.
