Dehradun: The villages, which have witnessed more than 50 per cent migration, are likely to be developed as model villages in Uttarakhand. The state government has now planned to put a check on migration of people from the villages in the hill areas.
In the first phase, the government may adopt 100 such villages where more than 50 percent migration has taken place. The government has swung into action to create clusters of these villages.
Around 1,564 ghost villages in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, majorly hit by migration, has a number of ghost villages. These are villages that have been abandoned by their inhabitants, often due to a lack of basic amenities, employment opportunities, and harsh living conditions. As of the 2011 Census, there were 1,048 villages with zero population and another 44 villages with fewer than 10 residents. The number of ghost villages has increased over the years, with around 1,564 such villages reported in the 2021 Census.
Pauri Garhwal and Almora districts have the highest number of ghost villages in Uttarakhand. Efforts are being made to preserve these villages and promote tourism in the region, highlighting their cultural heritage and historical significance.
Migration Commission to coordinate with the state government
These villages, which will be developed as model villages, will have basic facilities. The government’s focus is to provide sources of livelihood for the villagers. The Migration Prevention Commission will be in a role as a coordinator for the implementation of the government’s schemes in these villages.
As the state has entered into its silver jubilee year, the state government has given its special focus for the development of these villages. The migration of people from the hill villages remains a major concern for the state government. Migration-affected villages will be saturated with all government schemes.
478 villages were identified earlier
Earlier, the government has already given instructions to focus on a total 478 villages which have faced a serious problem of migration. These villages were under the category of witnessing more than 50 percent migration. In the first phase, 100 villages were selected to be provided with livelihood opportunities, besides ensuring their integrated development. Now, the government has begun its exercise to implement its decision to develop these villages.
Process of forming cluster of villages begins
As per the report, the process of forming clusters of villages has been started. Each cluster will accomodate 10 villages. The Migration Prevention Commission has sent its members to the districts concerned. Basic facilities like electricity, road connectivity, drinking water, education, and health will be made available in these villages. The Migration Prevention Commission will ensure that all the schemes of the state government will be implemented properly at the ground level. The Commission will also work out plans for further development of these villages.
