In Uttarkashi district, a stark contrast in development persists as dozens of villages remain isolated without basic road links, even while major highways and bustling tourist routes operate nearby. The plight of Hurri village, situated a mere 2 kilometers from Gangnani on the Gangotri National Highway, epitomizes this neglect, where nearly 500 residents continue their long wait for a motorable road.
A Daily Trek for Basic Necessities
Despite its prime location adjacent to a key pilgrimage and tourism corridor, Hurri has no vehicular access. For its inhabitants, reaching essential services like markets, hospitals, or government offices is a matter of hours, dictated more by physical stamina than actual distance. The absence of a road transforms a short 2-km journey into a grueling daily challenge.
Village head Ramesh Singh Negi expressed the community's frustration, stating that their demand for a road has been raised repeatedly over the years. "Our village is right next to Gangnani, yet no road has reached here. Officials come for surveys, but nothing moves beyond that," he said.
Severe Impact on Vulnerable Groups
The connectivity crisis hits women, the elderly, and children the hardest. Meena Devi, president of the local Mahila Mangal Dal, highlighted the acute risks during medical emergencies. "If someone falls ill or a woman goes into labour, we have to carry the patient on a stretcher or take them on a mule up to the main road," she explained. This makeshift evacuation is not only slow but also perilous, especially during inclement weather.
Former village head Anveer accused the administration of prolonged neglect. "The issue has been raised at various levels but without any outcome. If steps are not taken soon, people will be left with no option but to protest," he alleged.
Lost Opportunities and Official Hurdles
Residents point out that poor connectivity has severely restricted access to education, employment, and the economic benefits of tourism. While neighboring Gangnani thrives on steady tourist footfall, Hurri remains completely cut off from these potential gains.
When contacted, Subhashish Rana, an assistant engineer with the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) department, cited a technical hurdle. "A survey had been conducted for a 3.5-km road from Gangnani to Hurri, but cracks were observed on the hillside at the proposed starting point, stalling the project," he said. Rana added that another survey would be conducted in coordination with the villagers to find a viable solution.
For now, the people of Hurri live in hope, watching the road that ends just two kilometers away, waiting for it to finally bridge the gap and reach their homes.
