By: Isha Sharma
It’s almost three weeks now when due to heavy rainfall, fifteen army houses were razed to ground and over a dozen houses were badly damaged as a massive landslide triggered the area. The houses were mainly of ex-servicemen. The incident took place at Tirah Lines which is almost 5 kms from Dharamshala.
There was no loss of life as people moved to safer places as soon as they got to know about this. The news went viral. In no time army reached the place and helped the victims. Mrs. Parvati, a resident of the place said, “Army men followed by Himachal police, home-guards, people from taxi stand and nearby areas helped us in tough times”.
The place was later visited by Mr. Sudhir Sharma, who overlooked the situation and promised to help the victims. At that time, victims were residing in tents in army area. But now, government has provided them with apartments in I&PH colony at Darnu, which is few kilometers from Dharamshala. This accommodation is provided to them for the next one year. The Government also promised to provide all the families with a monetary compensation of Rs. 3 lakhs and land in Molly, Khanyara.
The victims are trying hard to get back on track, but are still facing some problems. There are nearly two families residing in each apartment which is provided by the government. They are also facing problems to cook food for themselves because of shared kitchens. Mr. S.R. Thapa says, “Many of our belongings are still lying at our damaged houses, and we can not even bring it because the accommodation is very small”. Though transportation facility was provided to them to move to other place, still they could not bring all of their things.
On the whole the victims are happy with the help provided by the government and the local masses.They are hopeful that the government will fulfill its promises.
