The opposition Congress party in Uttarakhand has launched a sharp accusation against the state government, claiming that no relief work has been initiated in the villages of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarkashi district since they were ravaged by flash floods on August 5. Expressing severe disappointment, the party has announced a site visit for an on-ground assessment.
Congress Announces Inspection Amidst Allegations
State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal stated that a party delegation will visit Dharali on December 4 to interact with local residents and evaluate the ground reality. The delegation aims to gather direct feedback from those affected by the disaster.
Godiyal was unequivocal in his criticism. "Leave aside construction, no proper rescue operation has been carried out to find the missing people," he claimed. He asserted that not a single piece of reconstruction or rehabilitation work has been undertaken in Dharali since the calamity struck over three months ago.
BJP's Counter on Terrain and Resident Resilience
The political narrative saw a counterpoint from BJP member Colonel Ajay Kothiyal (Retd). He highlighted the severe challenges, stating that 147 people were trapped under debris. Kothiyal explained that important belongings, certificates, and documents of other Dharali residents were also buried, making it difficult for people to leave the area.
He pointed to the difficult terrain that limits places for resettlement. Despite facing natural disasters in the past, residents have shown resilience and continued to stay. Kothiyal drew a parallel to the extreme conditions faced by defence personnel at the Siachen Glacier to underscore the harsh living realities in the region.
Political Standoff and the Path Forward
The Congress party plans to compile a detailed report based on its December 4 inspection. Godiyal announced that this report will be submitted to the Governor with the hope that he and the Union government will direct the state administration to launch a proper and comprehensive operation encompassing:
- Rescue of missing persons
- Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure
- Complete rehabilitation of displaced families
The allegations have sparked a fresh political debate in Uttarakhand, focusing on the pace and efficacy of disaster response in remote, ecologically fragile zones like Uttarkashi. The situation puts a spotlight on the ongoing suffering of villagers who have been waiting for substantive aid since the August flash floods.
