A couple of days after scores of homes were burnt in a fire in the Sawni village in Mori block of Uttarkashi district, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat met the affected villagers on Sunday. The CM distributed a total of Rs 58.29 lakh in home grant and compensation for the domesticated animals killed in the conflagration. The amount distributed included Rs 40.76 lakh to owners of 40 completely destroyed homes, Rs 31,200 for six partially damaged homes, Rs 14.50 lakh in compensation for 55 large cattle killed in the fire, Rs 1.20 lakh in compensation for 40 small domesticated animals killed in the fire and Rs 1.52 lakh distributed to provide assistance. He further said that he would talk to the Bharatiyia Janata Party state president to facilitate Rs 10K compensation from the party to each of the 47 families affected by the fire.
Addressing a gathering of the villagers affected by the conflagration and local residents in Uttarkashi on Sunday, Rawat said that the latest incident was the ninth case of a major fire taking place in the area during a period of 17 years. This is really a pathetic situation.
He stressed on the need for ascertaining the reasons for the accidental fire cases taking place in this area. He directed the Uttarkashi District Magistrate to ascertain measures for preventing such fires in the area.
A team should be formed to conduct a study on the issue for finding a solution to the problem, he added. Addressing the local residents, he said that there is a need to change the system.
He said that such a system would be facilitated in the area which would prevent incidents of fire in the area. Rawat exhorted the local residents to provide their cooperation for this purpose, adding that the local public representatives and social workers will also have to come forward to facilitate the required positive change.
Rawat went on to state that in the coming four years, such a system would be ensured which would help prevent loss of human and animal lives. This effort will be intiated in the villages which are not yet linked to roads. Rawat said that the Mori area will be connected by road to the Dodrakkar area in Himachal Pradesh. This 12 kilometre long road will also help improve trade and tourism in the valley. He further informed that about Rs 5 crore had been approved for the improvement of road network in the area. The CM also expressed satisfaction at the relief works undertaken by the district administration in the conflagration- affected village.
He said that the district admin was working with sensitivity and swiftness in the affected village. He appreciated the Uttarkashi DM for the relief works being undertaken.
The Gangotri MlA Gopal Singh Rawat spoke about distributing 100 wollen blankets to the affected villagers.
The Yamunotri MlA Kedar Singh Rawat spoke of facilitating ration for the affected villagers. The Tehri MP Mala Rajya laxmi Shah said that all possible assistance would be facilitated through the Central Government for the affected village.
Various voluntary organisations and institutions have also come forward to provide various items and help to the affected villagers. It is pertinent to mention here that a fire which reportedly began in one home in Sawni village past midnight on February 16, soon spred across the village and destroyed 40 homes built mainly of wood.
Though a considerable number of cattle and other domesticated animals were killed, no loss of human life was reported in the conflagration.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced a cooperative bank branch and a Government allopathic clinic in Jakhol, Fitadi-Sawni-Satudi motor road and the Sakri Taluka-Osla Gangad motor road.
He also spoke of getting water supply lines laid to facilitate water supply in Sawni village. In case a proper location is found, a helipad will also be developed here, he added.