PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
A prayer meeting was held in Dharali on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of the devastating natural disaster that struck the Dharali-Harshil region last year. On this occasion, prayers were offered for those who perished in the disaster, while those who showed courage and fortitude in their rebuilding journey were remembered. Besides, the pledge was reiterated for the safe and holistic development of the region.
The district magistrate Prashant Arya, along with affected families and local citizens, offered prayers for the souls of the deceased.
As part of the programme, the DM planted a sapling of Deodar in the memory of those who died in the disaster. The villagers also reported that 101 trees are being planted in memory of the deceased, so that their memories are linked with nature conservation.
“The government’s objective is not only to rebuild the damaged infrastructure, but also to establish Dharali as a safer, stronger and more developed area. Over the past year, various departments have worked in coordination to provide rehabilitation, housing assistance, livelihood restoration and revitalise tourism, local businesses, agriculture and horticulture activities. Efforts were made to restore normal life by quickly restoring essential basic services, including roads, electricity, drinking water, and communications,” Arya said.
He further stated that to reduce the impact of such disasters in the future, priority is being given to riverbank protection, channelisation of rivers, remediation of vulnerable sites, road strengthening, and other disaster mitigation measures.
