Dharali survivors warn protest from Republic Day over delayed rehab, compensation

Uttarkashi: Survivors of the Dharali disaster have warned of an indefinite protest from Republic Day, alleging a lack of progress on rehabilitation and compensation more than five months after the calamity that killed at least 19 people and left 37 missing.On Wednesday, members of the Dharali Disaster Affected Struggle Committee submitted a memorandum to district magistrate Prashant Arya, seeking immediate action on a seven-point charter. They said the protest would begin at the district headquarters on Jan 26 if their demands were not addressed.
The memorandum said the Aug 5 disaster, triggered by the Kheer Gad in Dharali, devastated the village, but concrete steps towards permanent rehabilitation and compensation were yet to be taken. It alleged that despite surveys and meetings, the affected families had received only assurances.Key demands include reconstruction of the historic Kalpkedar temple, immediate implementation of a rehabilitation policy for affected households, full compensation and alternate land for hotel owners, compensation for damaged assets and vehicles, rent and loss compensation for damaged rented shops, and waiver of agricultural loans for affected small and marginal farmers and horticulturists.Committee president Sachindra Panwar said a procession would be taken out from Kali Kamli to the collectorate on Republic Day, followed by a relay hunger strike and an indefinite protest until the demands are met or the government gives a concrete assurance.