Compensation eludes villagers displaced by 2023 disaster in Bageshwar

Bageshwar: Three years after the 2023 monsoon disaster, an estimated 10 to 16 displaced families in Kapkot region of Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand are still waiting for compensation and rehabilitation, alleging administrative apathy.Residents of Ratiriketi, Badi Panyali and Namti Chetbagad villages stated that while govt teams surveyed their landslide-damaged and destroyed homes shortly after the disaster, the promised relief funds never arrived. Left to fend for themselves, many affected families now rely on daily wage labour and community support to survive."After losing my three-storey home, I had to stay in a rented house for months.

With the help of villagers, I somehow built a small house to shelter my family. But despite repeated visits to govt offices, I have not received any compensation," said Bhupal, a resident of Ratiriketi village.Bhupal added that he spent nearly ₹18,000 out of his own pocket just on the paperwork required to file claims.Social activist Bhupendra Koranga, representing the victims, accused the local administration of outright neglect.

"These families have been running from pillar to post for the past three years. If the administration fails to act soon, we will be compelled to launch an agitation," Koranga warned.When questioned about the delay, local officials stated that while cases have been processed, actual relief disbursement depends on the availability of govt funds.Kapkot SDM Anil Kumar Chaniyal maintained that disaster-affected families were receiving assistance as per norms, and rehabilitation procedures are underway. "Further action will be taken as per the prescribed process," he said.However, residents said they only received an initial estimated payout of about Rs 2,000-3,000.