Eight Months After Disaster, 45 Paunsari Families in Uttarakhand Still Lack Safe Shelter
Eight months after a devastating disaster struck Paunsari village in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, around 45 families continue to live without safe or permanent shelter. This situation is raising fresh anxiety as the monsoon season approaches, with little progress on rehabilitation or restoration of basic infrastructure.
Families Living in Fear and Uncertainty
Many displaced residents are still taking shelter in others' homes, while some are forced to live in cracked and unsafe houses. The disaster, which occurred in August, destroyed fish ponds—a key source of livelihood in the area—leaving families without income. Manoj Ram, a 37-year-old resident, shared his plight: "We lost everything that night. My house was completely washed away. My family survived only because we had gone to my brother's house. But apart from Rs 2,200, we have received no meaningful compensation." Manoj's trout fish farming business was destroyed, leaving him with no source of income. He added, "The entire area now resembles a graveyard."
Authorities' Assurances Fall Short
Village head Mahesh Ram expressed frustration over the lack of action despite assurances from authorities. "Paths, drinking water systems, and bridges were completely destroyed. Even after eight months, nothing has been rebuilt," he said. "When the Chief Minister and District Magistrate visited, they spoke about relocating residents, but we have since been left to fend for ourselves." The disaster claimed five lives, and the body of one victim, Puran Chandra Joshi, has yet to be recovered.
Heightened Fears with Monsoon Approaching
Locals report that the absence of reconstruction and safety measures is heightening fears, especially with the monsoon approaching. A resident lamented, "There is no farming, no employment, and no protection work being carried out. We have been abandoned. Even basic access roads have not been restored."
Administration's Response and Relief Measures
The tehsil administration stated that relief measures were initiated, with officials noting that five families whose houses were damaged received compensation of Rs 5 lakh each. They cited geological reports suggesting normal conditions in the area. District Disaster Management Officer Shikha Suyal provided an update: "Tenders were issued for several projects. Some works are currently underway, while budget approvals have been sought for others."
Despite these efforts, affected families in Paunsari continue to wait for comprehensive relief and rehabilitation ahead of the next monsoon, highlighting ongoing challenges in disaster recovery.
