A 56-year-old woman from Seva village in Uttarkashi district had to be carried nearly 11 kilometers on a traditional palanquin, known locally as 'dandi-kandi', after she fell seriously ill. The woman, identified as Khantra Devi, was suffering from high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea when she collapsed at her home on Tuesday.
With no motorable road connecting the village to the nearest healthcare facility, residents were forced to transport her along a steep and narrow mountain trail to Dhauli, the closest point accessible by vehicle. From there, she was taken to a hospital in Mori block for initial treatment. On Thursday, her condition worsened, and she was referred to a higher medical center in Delhi for specialized care.
Ongoing Ordeal for Remote Villages
The incident has once again brought attention to the severe hardships faced by residents of remote villages in Uttarkashi. The lack of road connectivity continues to create serious challenges, particularly in emergency situations such as transporting patients and pregnant women to hospitals. Villagers reported that such ordeals are common and often the only way to move the sick, with some patients even dying en route to medical facilities.
Residents pointed out that road construction connecting Dhauli to Seva village began nearly a decade ago but remains incomplete. This leaves the community without proper access to healthcare and other essential services. During the monsoon season, the village becomes completely cut off, exacerbating the problem.
Government Response
A local resident stated, 'We have repeatedly informed the government and administration, both verbally and in writing, but no action has followed.' In response to the issue, PMGSY assistant engineer Subhash Dauriyal said, 'Road construction work for Seva village is underway and efforts are being made to complete the project at the earliest.'
The incident underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure in remote areas to ensure timely medical care and prevent further tragedies.
