Dehradun- Uttarakhand's mounting challenges come to the forefront as the Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation releases its Uttarakhand Disaster and Accident Analysis Initiative (UDAAI) report for January 2024.
The report exposes a dual crisis gripping the state, with 36 villages reeling from the adverse effects of the Rishikesh-Karanprayag railway project, while many families affected by the Joshimath land subsidence incident remain homeless.
In the wake of the railway project's expansion, 36 villages in the Dogi Patti belt have borne the brunt of water source depletion, exacerbating the daily struggles of residents already grappling with scarce and depleting water sources.
Government data reveals a stark reality: traditional water sources have dried up, leaving communities parched and reliant on meager supplies.
Timli village, situated 20 kilometers from Rishikesh, bearing the brunt of water crisis with locals deprived of basic necessities as government taps run dry.
Meanwhile, the aftermath of the Joshimath land subsidence incident, which struck the town in January 2023, continues to haunt affected families. Despite assurances and sporadic aid efforts, many remain displaced, their homes deemed unsafe amidst pervasive cracks and instability.
With no concrete plans for rehabilitation or resettlement, these families languish in uncertainty, caught in a limbo between past tragedy and an uncertain future.
Anoop Nautiyal, the visionary behind SDC Foundation, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action. "The UDAAI report not only highlights the immediate crises but also underscores the systemic vulnerabilities inherent in Uttarakhand's disaster management framework," he emphasizes.
"It's imperative for policymakers to prioritize both short-term relief efforts and long-term resilience-building measures to safeguard the welfare of our communities."
UDAAI report serves as a clarion call for concerted action, urging stakeholders to address the pressing needs of vulnerable populations and fortify the state's resilience against future adversities.
