To Gori Ganga-paar region in Munsiyari block, Pithoragarh

From the report by Dr Satyendra Singh (Chintan, Mukteshwar) and Reetu Sogani (Samudayik Chetna Kendra, Almora) 

RAHAT (Relief, Access and Habilitation with Appropriate Training) is a collective effort of several groups with the objective of empowering local communities to rebuild lives in a sustainable and self-reliant way through working in conjunction with local bodies and administration. People’s self-reliance is the key principle in this approach. Working mainly in the Munsiyari region of Pithoragarh district.

Decided to visit the region to try and be with the most affected communities. Some relief items plus 400 bags of food material donated by the Haldwani Vyapar Mandal. Reached Munsiyari through heavy rain and seven road blockages - thanks entirely to the expert driving of Diwan.            

Several helpful meetings with villagers, govt officials and NGO representatives the next day. Then, together with a porter and guide, left for Madkot. Vehicle could only go up to Bhadeli. 

Trek thereafter. More or less 60 kms over the next three days took us to Madkot, Bata, Seraghat, Sera, Shilling, Mori, Chorigad, Umargada, Bangapani, Malla Mankote, Talla Mankote and Dhami villages. Most of them cut off and isolated now.

Working within our capacity, we expect to concentrate medium-term and long-term interventions in Umargada and Mankot villages.

All households living under temporary arrangement - plastic sheets and tirpal since 16 June. Very high food stock loss and 50% of the agricultural land (with standing crops) of all the families and almost all walking paths swept away. Herculean trek to Madkot and Bangapani/Toli respectively for relief material and back. Several families, with aged members, couldn't. Life completely disrupted. Schools not opened as yet as all paths broken and dangerous. Immediate and long-term food security severely jeopardized. 

Initiated the setting up of local village committees to discuss, develop and decide a comprehensive development agenda - agriculture, food security, health, hygiene, education, et. al. - through both self-help as well as accessing government schemes and programmes.