According to Vipin Joshi, tourism and development has been a curse for the Kumauni community of Uttrakhand. Instead of benefiting from the money it was bringing in, the community began to lose its land and livelihood. The media reports on the construction of the dam but there’s no mention of the people who have lost their lands; the tourism department…

Vipin joshi

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In September 2010, Uttarakhand bore the brunt of torrential rains which resulted in a massive landslide causing much destruction across the state. Bageshwar district was the most affected area. Many villagers lost their homes and livelihood. The very rhythm of their lives has been altered forever, but even after two years, there has been little attempt at little relief or compensation from the administration.

In the village of Mathuroan 17 Dalit families affected by the landslide have received a paltry amount of one thousand rupees and a mere 20 days ration as relief. Villagers are staying under leaking roofs and in cowsheds. Conditions are miserable. They barely have enough to eat.

Some villagers have tried to file a complaint with the Chief Minister and concerned authorities. Their only demand is for a decent compensation that would give them a chance to repair their houses,feed two decent meals a day to their families and resume their suspended lives.