Dehra Dun : The Census Report for the period 2002-2011 for Uttarakhand released on Friday has only confirmed that the various governments in this small mountain state, regardless of the party, did precious nothing to fulfill the aspirations and hopes of the ‘aam aadmi’, of the state who has been forced to leave his hearth and homes in search of a living.
There has been large scale migration from the villages, as dreams of the rural population, that the statehood that they agitated for will change their tomorrow and usher in a new era of prosperity for their children has failed to materialize. No thought has been given to the basic needs of the villagers in the almost 12 years of statehood.
The census report indicates that the population of the rural districts like Pauri and Almora has gone down drastically, as villagers have migrated to Dehra Dun or Hardwar in search of greener pastures. The figures reveal that the population density per square kilometer in the towns of the state has gone up manifold and put pressure on the existing infrastructure.
The townships which are already reeling under acute water and power crisis, where the roads are ill-equipped to take upon the traffic burden and the district authorities neither have the funds nor the commitment to meet the necessities of the people have made life miserable for the masses. Migration is in search for jobs as nothing has been done to improve upon the rural economy.
There has been a lot of talk of tourism potential of the state, but despite the statement of chief minister Vijay Bahuguna that the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) will be merged to make single body to promote tourism, nothing has happened in this direction despite over a year having lapsed.
The condition of the roads and facilities for the char dhaam yatra, which could improve the economy of the interiors, continues to be dismal. Every year there is talk of improving the infrastructure for the yatra, but is confined to mere talk and nothing is done at the ground level. In 12 years of statehood, the yatra conditions have deteriorated rather than improved.
And as migration continues unabated from the villages to the towns, pressure on the existing facilities will only increase manifold, making life miserable for the people, who are already living under trying circumstances. There is already an acute water crisis in most townships of the state and one can but imagine what it will be like in the coming years.
A journalist with over 40 years of experience, Jagdish Bhatt was Editor, Hill Post (Uttarakhand).
Jagdish had worked with India’s leading English dailies, which include Times of India, Indian Express, Pioneer and several other reputed publications. A highly acclaimed journalist, he was a recipient of many awards
Jagdish Bhatt, aged 72, breathed his last on 28th August 2021 at his Dehradun residence.
Incessant migration coupled with delimitation has created havoc in the Hill Regions of the State.Dismal governance,deep corruption & non existent leadership has further compounded the sad state of affairs. Dev Bhumi awaits divine intervention!