21 years on, 9 families in Bageshwar’s Seri village await rehabilitation after 2005 disaster

Bageshwar: Nine families in Seri village of Bageshwar district remain without rehabilitation, with several half-constructed homes still pending govt approval, over two decades after heavy rains submerged and destroyed portions of the village in 2005. Residents allege administrative delays and apathy have left landless families in limbo.About a year ago, authorities conducted a geological survey of the area and forwarded a proposal to state govt. Villagers say they were verbally permitted to construct homes on van panchayat land, prompting many to invest their life savings."We sold our cattle and even jewellery to complete construction up to the roof," said Vandana Devi, one of the affected residents. "Later, we were told that construction on van panchayat land had not been officially approved. Now, after spending everything, we are being asked to relocate elsewhere."She added that officials had earlier assured financial assistance and encouraged construction at the same site. "Now we are burdened with debt and creditors are visiting our homes," she added.Madhavi Devi's family faces a similar situation. She said, "After exhausting all savings, we could only lay the foundation of our house. With uncertainty over land approval, govt aid intended for displaced families has yet to reach them."Village head Rajendra Singh Dhami confirmed that besides Vandana and Madhavi, seven other families face similar hardships. "Most of them are landless and have neither the resources nor alternative land to rebuild their homes. They are still living in cracked and unsafe houses that could collapse at any time," he said.Locals added that revenue officials issue notices every year before the monsoon, advising them to relocate to safer locations. "They warn us, but provide no solution," a resident said.Official records show that 17 families were rehabilitated in 2025 with financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each. However, the remaining nine families — eight of whom belong to SC communities — continue to struggle without concrete support.Villagers claimed that while they were initially promised land allocation, govt support was withdrawn midway after construction had begun. "We have been left stranded halfway," said Raju Singh, another resident. "Recent rains flooded our homes, and with the monsoon approaching, we fear for the safety of our children."Sub-divisional magistrate Anil Chanyal said that proposals for all affected families have been sent to the govt. "Once approval is received, the families will be relocated to a safer location," he said.