New Delhi, August 5: One year after the devastating natural disaster in the Dharali-Harsil region, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts have gained new momentum. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and coordinated efforts from the district administration, affected families are continuously receiving financial assistance, housing, livelihood support, and restoration of basic amenities.
The administration claims that alongside rehabilitation efforts, work is also progressing rapidly on protective projects aimed at reducing disaster risk in the future.
Families of the deceased received a total of ₹5 lakh in assistance, comprising ₹4 lakh under SDRF standards and ₹1 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Following government guidelines, 19 missing persons have been declared dead, and their dependents have also received financial aid. Eighteen injured individuals have been provided assistance according to established norms.
Owners of 115 completely damaged residential buildings have been granted ₹5 lakh each, totaling ₹5.75 crore in aid. Additionally, relief funds have been distributed to partially damaged buildings and other affected families as per regulations. The 115 families rendered homeless are receiving ₹4,000 per month for six months as rental assistance.
To revive the local economy, hotel and shop operators in the Dharali and Harsil areas have received support from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. So far, over ₹6.83 crore has been distributed to hotel owners, with approval and payment processes ongoing for remaining cases.
The Irrigation Department has approved 15 protective works at a cost of approximately ₹3.85 crore, including river channelization in Bhagirathi, Kheer Gad, and Tel Gad, debris removal, bank protection, and safety walls. Most of these projects are completed, while others are still in progress.
To revitalize the horticulture sector, the Horticulture Department has initiated plans worth ₹2.34 crore. This includes the procurement of 256.83 metric tons of apples, with over ₹1.15 crore directly transferred to the accounts of farmers. Additionally, corrugated boxes, plastic crates, vegetable seeds, fruit plants, pesticides, and agricultural materials have been distributed as grants. Local farmers also sold 38.11 quintals of vegetables to teams involved in relief and rescue operations.
The Public Works Department has completed all approved works worth ₹88.25 lakh, including improvements to the Dharali bridge, Harsil motor road, national highway connectivity, and alternative routes, restoring normalcy in transportation in the area.
The Agriculture Department has provided agricultural equipment and investment materials worth ₹40.92 lakh as 100% grants to 274 farmers. Moreover, geo-line tanks and sprinkler systems have been installed for micro-irrigation. The Animal Husbandry Department has compensated 13 livestock owners ₹10.94 lakh for 235 animals lost in the disaster and has promoted livelihood enhancement through sheep and goat farming and veterinary services.
Additionally, various departments, including UREDA, Forest, Electricity, Tourism, Education, Food Supply, REAP, and Rural Development, have completed numerous projects related to solar street lights, trekking routes, smart schools, safety walls, and other infrastructure, while some projects are still underway.
District Magistrate Prashant Arya stated that the district administration’s goal is not only to provide financial assistance but also to ensure the safe and permanent rehabilitation of affected families. He emphasized that regular reviews of reconstruction efforts are being conducted in coordination with all departments, and continuous efforts are being made to reach every eligible family with assistance.
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