Chamoli: Road connectivity has been a serious issue in Uttarakhand, particularly in higher hills. There are some remote areas in the border districts which have seen no connecting roads for decades and long pending demands of the villagers for roads fell on deaf ears most of the time.
Interestingly, the campaign to get a road constructed in Dumak village in Chamoli district has drawn attention when a 100-year-old resident of Dumak, Bacchi Devi started the fast unto death to get her demand fulfilled.
Villagers are on fast for last 40 days
Villagers have been participating in a relay fast for the past 40 days, with 100-year-old Bachhi Devi also taking part. Despite her age, Bachhi Devi remains steadfast in her demands, stating that she will not end her fast until they are met. Dumak is a village located in the Jyotirmath tehsil of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is situated about 52 km from the sub-district headquarters in Jyotirmath and 119 km from the district headquarters in Gopeshwar. Dumak is also a gram panchayat and has a population of around 311 people, with 68 households.
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Lacking proper roads, villagers face a lot of problems
In hilly states like Uttarakhand, villagers face numerous challenges due to inadequate road facilities, particularly in remote areas where access to basic amenities is difficult. In Dumak village, Chamoli, residents are voicing their concerns over similar issues. They have been on a continuous fast for the past 40 days, demanding road construction. Among them, 100-year-old Bachchi Devi is the most vocal and adamant for road construction.
Until the demand is not met, the fast will continue
Seeing the troubles faced by co-villagers over the past few years, Bachhi Devi is demanding that the administration should build a road from Sanji to Maikot Dumak Kalgoth on the old proposed route and restart the long pending construction work as soon as possible.
This movement has once again highlighted the pressing issue
Recently, these villagers strengthened their protest by organizing a candle march. Bachhi Devi has firmly stated that she will not end her fast until her demands are met. This movement has once again highlighted the pressing question of when will the government address the basic needs of these remote villages and take the villagers’ demands seriously.
