Disaster survivors call out systemic failures

Over 70 disaster-affected residents from Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Lahaul and neighbouring regions gathered at Saksharta Bhavan, Mandi, for a People’s Public Hearing that exposed critical gaps in Himachal Pradesh’s disaster response and rehabilitation systems. Organised as part of a two-day programme by multiple grassroots organisations, the hearing provided a rare public platform for survivors to present their testimonies before a civil society panel and demand accountability, transparency and long-term rehabilitation.

Participants shared first-hand accounts of damaged homes, destroyed farmland, unsafe settlements, lost livestock, disrupted livelihoods and prolonged displacement. Many survivors emphasised that despite recurring disasters, relief and rehabilitation continue to be slow, uneven and opaque.

While immediate relief of Rs 1.30 lakh was distributed to some families, people alleged that the disbursement lacked uniformity and was not followed by proper surveys or the release of comprehensive compensation under the Special Relief Package (SRP). Several residents said they still do not know whether their names appear in official lists, leaving entire families in prolonged uncertainty.

A recurring concern was the alleged non-transparent survey process. Women from Seraj, including Kesari Devi, narrated how names were arbitrarily added or removed without explanation. Families who lost homes were denied rental relief because they had not stayed in government camps, even though they had already secured temporary shelter with relatives or on rent. Speakers argued that such rigid procedural requirements ignore the lived realities of disaster survivors.

Participants also questioned the eligibility norms for SRP assistance. Families with ancestral homes in distant villages were excluded despite losing the homes they currently lived in. Nuclear families formed from joint households were similarly left out. Single women were identified as particularly vulnerable; many had small independent shelters washed away but were still deemed ineligible, highlighting gendered gaps in disaster policy.

Some residents reported receiving no relief at all. Neetu Ram from Chowki Baladi described losing his home and belongings in the Malana Dam burst but receiving no compensation, underscoring administrative inconsistencies even in high-profile cases.

Landlessness emerged as one of the most urgent issues. Residents from Jogindernagar, Bungrail Chowk (Seraj) and Lindur (Lahaul) explained that once their houses were declared unsafe, they were prohibited from rebuilding but were not allotted alternative land. Much of the available land falls under the Forest Department, requiring Central Government clearance that can take years. Speakers stressed that displacement without rehabilitation is equivalent to state neglect.

Environmental degradation was repeatedly linked to the increasing intensity of disasters. Representatives from Kinnaur, Mandi and Kullu criticised reckless road construction, illegal cutting, muck dumping and large dam projects. The destruction in Mandi this year was attributed to road widening, blocked nallahs and weak departmental oversight.

Social activist Rajneesh Sharma demanded transparency in disaster relief expenditure and condemned political interference in reconstruction.

Climate change impacts were also discussed. From Lahaul, Sunita Katoch linked frequent flash floods to glacial retreat, while Kullu’s Lal Chand Katoch urged vigilance against ecologically harmful mega-projects.

Mandi DC Apoorv Devgan acknowledged landlessness concerns and assured administrative support. A seven-member civil society panel will soon submit recommendations to the government.