Considerable loss of irrigated land, standing crops and various basic infrastructural facilities were reported from the Pujaldi and Kuret villages in Tehri district following cloudburst on Thursday late evening.
The cloud burst and resulting rise in the level of water in the Henwal river here wreaked destruction in three habitations (called Tok by locals) at Pujaldi village and two at Khuret.
Dozens of villagers’ irrigated land, standing crops, bridle paths, Gharat (traditional water mill), potable water lines and canals have suffered loss resulting in trepidation among the villagers. locals recall that the villagers who were working in the fields situated on the banks of he Henwal river had somehow managed to run uphill to safety when there was a sudden rise in the river’s water level following the cloudburst.
Sources confirm that the cloudburst late on Thursday evening caused damage at Gandadyu, Gwad, Bau Tok, Khuretgaon, Bangapani and Akhodi Khala Tok within a span of a few minutes. Rising of the river water level left the irrigated land buried under debris.
The standing crop of potato, beans and wheat was also destroyed in these areas where dozens of canals have been washed away, bridle paths have been damaged and water supply lines severed in the disaster. With the bridle paths being washed away, crossing the Henwal river has become a major challenge for the local residents, especially school children who have been staying indoors since the disaster.
Rise in water level of the Henwal river caused water to enter the homes of about half a dozen villagers in Pujaldi due to which the affected villagers had to spend the night in other peoples’ homes.
The village Pradhan Anju Devi and former Pradhan Ramesh lekhwar state that most of the villagers had lost their means of livelihood due to the cloud burst. They have sought adequate compensation from the authorities to the affected villagers.
On this issue, the revenue sub-inspector MS Pundir said that the site in question has been visited and the damage inspected with a detailed report being currently drafted.
At the Badyo Tok of Swadi village, the home of Guru Prasad and Dinesh Prasad was struck by lightning rendering two children inside unconscious while also causing a crack in the home structure. With power supply being severed in village, social worker Sanjay Maithani has demanded that the power supply be restored and monetary assistance be provided to affected villagers.
locals point out that the Henwal river is known generally for its tranquil waters but on Thursday evening, the river appeared to be in its fearful destructive aspect following the cloudburst. The water carrying large boulders and trees along with it had a scary impact on the villagers witnessing the raw power of nature.
Recalling the scene, Kunwari Devi who was working in the fields at the time of the disaster, breaks down in tears considering what the villagers experienced. It is also pertinent to mention here that the Henwal river is the sole major source of water for the residents of Chamba, Badshahithaul, Ranichauri and dozens of villages in this region.