About six months ago it was the adverse weather condition caused by landslides and heavy rainfall that rendered them homeless; now the same bad weather situation coupled with icy conditions resulting in chilling cold, has put lives of nearly two dozen families on the edge who are still living in makeshift arrangements in Pithoragarh.
The only difference that has been made by the State Government in terms of relief in their lives is that now they have been shifted to huts in the same region from tents located in Dharchula's Ghattabagarh area in Pithoragarh where the said families had been living since rainy season this year. The fact is that despite huge claims made by the State Government for timely rehabilitation of the natural
disaster hit victims, these natural disaster hit families are still battling hard for their permanent settlements. More importantly, with winter season gaining momentum by each passing day, the aforesaid families which are now living in makeshift huts in Dharchula's Ghattabagarh area as the officials concerned informed, are more concerned following no concrete measures on part of the Government visible on the ground for their 'early' rehabilitation.
Though the local administration claims that efforts are on for the early rehabilitation of these families which have been staying in makeshift huts as of now, nothing can be said when these victims could get their permanent settlements. Rehabilitation of the displaced families is our top priority. With the help of an NGO now these families have been shifted to huts.
No one is living in tent here as of now, claimed Dr. Neeraj Khairwal, District Magistrate, Pithoragarh, while talking to The Pioneer in an exclusive interview. More so, the needy families would soon be granted relief amount to construct houses. As the process to grant relief amount is on hopefully, the relief amount would be granted to the needy families within a month as per the laid down norms to construct houses, Khiarwal expressed hope.
Among other parts of the Himalayan State, Pithorgarh was one of the worst disaster hit district in the Kumaon division. Amid heavy rainfall, flood like situation inflicted heavy damage to life and property particularly in those areas which are located near to the riverbanks in Pithoragarh. Therefore, loss of property including damage to houses was reported to be maximum in this border district. Keeping in view the huge damage to a large number of houses across the Himalayan State, the State Government earlier offered an option of providing prefabricated houses to those displaced families, but a majority of the displaced families then refused to accept the Government's offer of providing prefabricated houses.
Rather the natural disaster hit families have preferred to construct houses for themselves on their own. Keeping in view the sentiments of the disaster victims, later the State Government also cancelled the scheme of providing prefabricated houses to the needy. Now it has announced to provide cash to the people who lost their houses due to in disaster. However, delay in providing the much needed relief amount on part of the State Government, has come as a serious cause of concern for the disaster hit victims particularly those who are still staying in makeshift arrangements.