Uttarkashi flash floods: Locals blame illegal construction for disaster
On August 5, flash floods hit Dharali village in Uttarkashi, killing at least 4 people and leaving many missing, and destroying homes and roads.
Locals believe the tragedy was made worse by illegal building in the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (BESZ), which is supposed to protect the river area from risky development.
Rescue ops on as DM insists all construction is monitored
Community group Himalayayi Nagrik Drishti Manch says they warned authorities about repeated rule-breaking—like building too close to the river and on unstable slopes—even though a 2020 plan clearly bans this.
The district magistrate insists all construction is monitored, but locals argue their concerns were ignored and are now calling for safer, more sustainable development.
Meanwhile, rescue teams are still working in tough conditions as heavy rain continues.