Chamoli (Uttaranchal), Feb 16 2005
People in Chamoli district have still not got over the after affects of the earthquake which hit the area almost six years ago.
Locals say that they are still awaiting rehabilitation or compensation from the government. Almost 90 percent of the semi- urban areas were destroyed and at least 100 people killed in the earthquake.
They say tall promises were made to them after the devastation struck in 1999, but till now not even half the compensation money has reached them. “We have received only two installments of our compensation money. Once we got 500 rupees, next time 6,000 rupees while we were promised 25,000 each after the disastrous earthquake. Earlier we used to inquire about the rest of our compensation but now we have given up hope,” said an agitated Deen Dayal Bisht.
Mangala Devi, who lost her mother and sister, said they have only received 25,000 rupees against the promised one lakh. “They had announced that they would give us 100,000 rupees as compensation as we were staying in makeshift tents after we lost everything in the earthquake. But five years down the line, we have received no help,” she said.
On the other hand, the authorities claim that they have already distributed 132.5 million rupees as compensation to the affected families and are awaiting the release of 675 million rupees from the government. “According to the availability of the funds the affected families have been given two instalments. There are some families, which were to receive a relief amount of 25,000 rupees, and some out of these have been given the first instalment of 12,500 rupees. Many families have been given first instalment of 12,500rupees,” said Ajay Nambiyal, District Magistrate, Chamoli.
Chamoli and Rudraprayag districts in the Himalayas were the worst affected in the earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. The quake was felt across many parts of northern India, western Nepal and southern China. (ANI)
News Source: http://www.newkerala.com
RELATED NEWS