Assured Rs 5 lakh, got Rs 5,000: Uttarkashi families protest over 'relief' cheques

Days after a flash flood wreaked havoc in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, residents have refused government cheques of Rs 5,000 each, calling the amount 'inadequate' in the face of the massive destruction caused by the disaster.

The cheques, described by authorities as "immediate relief", were distributed to affected families in Dharali and Harshil. However, the gesture triggered protests, with villagers accusing the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government of downplaying the scale of their losses.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya defended the move, saying the Rs 5,000 was only an interim measure. "After evaluating the entire loss and preparing a detailed report, proper compensation will be given," he said.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for those whose houses were completely destroyed, and the same amount for families of those killed in the disaster. A three-member committee, headed by the Revenue Secretary, has been tasked with preparing a rehabilitation and livelihood revival plan, with a preliminary report due within a week.

Meanwhile, rescue efforts continued for the fifth day on Saturday, with helicopters evacuating stranded residents and dropping food packets to remote areas. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, assisted by a dog squad and thermal imaging equipment, scoured the rubble in Dharali bazar, where a mudslide on Tuesday levelled hotels, homestays, and shops.

According to officials, the tragedy has left five confirmed dead, two bodies recovered, and 49 people missing. According to official data, more than 1,000 people have been evacuated so far from parts of the disaster-hit Dharali area that are still cut off. The administration is also surveying damage to homes, farms, and other property to process further compensation.

"The priority of the government is to evacuate all trapped people, which is nearly complete," Dhami had said, adding that electricity, mobile networks, and road access are being restored, while community kitchens supply food, clothing, and essential goods to survivors.

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