Shelters Provided to Disaster-Affected Families in Remote Hilly Region of Tehri Garhwal
In a heartfelt effort to support communities devastated by a natural disaster in August 2024, our organization Saksham India Trust (SIT) has successfully provided shelters to five families residing in one of the remotest hilly regions of Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand with the support of local NGO- Mount Valley Development Association (MVDA). All the affected families are from villages falling under Bhilangna Block, Ghansali Tehsil, located approximately 40 km from the block headquarters and about 200 km from Dehradun.
Accessing these remote areas posed significant logistical challenges due to the difficult terrain and limited connectivity. However, driven by our commitment to reach the most vulnerable, our team ensured that these families received the shelter and support they urgently needed.
The newly constructed shelters now serve as a safe and stable refuge, enabling families to begin rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our supporters, field teams, and local partners who made this effort possible. Together, we are bringing hope and relief to those who need it the most, helping them rebuild not only their homes but also their lives.
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Beneficiary Testimonials
"After the disaster destroyed my home and forced us to shift to a rented room, it was difficult to manage rent and family needs together. At such a time, the shelter support provided by the NGO felt like a lifeline. It gave us a sense of relief and helped us start over with some hope. I truly appreciate their timely help."
— Hayat Singh, Gawana Malla
"I had no idea where to go when the landslide took away my house. In that moment of uncertainty, the NGO’s support in providing a shelter brought me comfort. It gave me not just a roof, but also the emotional strength to move forward. I remain thankful for their kindness and support."
— Bhama Devi, Gawana Malla
"When everything was lost—my home, food, and peace—the NGO stepped in and helped me by providing shelter. With four young children to care for, this support meant the world to me. Their help gave us protection and dignity in our most vulnerable time. I am deeply grateful."
— Ganga Devi, Kandaar Gao Malla
Case Study 1: Bhama Devi
Name: Bhama Devi
Husband’s Name: Chandra Singh
Village: Gawana Malla
Background
Bhama Devi is a widow living independently in Gawana Malla. Her sons are employed in private jobs in Delhi and Mumbai. She survives primarily on her old age pension and small-scale farming.
Impact of the August 2024 Disaster
A massive landslide during the August 2024 disaster completely destroyed Bhama Devi’s home and agricultural land. She had built a modest two-room house with great effort over the years, which was swept away in the calamity. Her livelihood was also severely impacted.
Challenges and Issues
Following the disaster, Bhama Devi faced tremendous hardship. She was temporarily housed by relatives until she could relocate to an old structure in the village. The emotional trauma from losing her home, along with physical insecurity, severely affected her well-being.
She now sustains herself by growing vegetables on a small patch of land, using her pension to hire labor when needed. While the local community has extended significant support by providing essentials, long-term rehabilitation remains a pressing need. Bhama Devi requires assistance in rebuilding her house, restoring her agricultural activities, and accessing regular healthcare services.
Case Study 2: Ganga Devi
Name: Ganga Devi
Husband’s Name: Late Bhim Singh
Village: Kandaar Gao Malla
Background
Ganga Devi is a widow and mother of four—three daughters and one son, all below the age of 13. Her husband passed away a year before the disaster after a prolonged illness. Since then, Ganga Devi has been the sole provider for her family, facing considerable hardships.
Impact of the August 2024 Disaster
In the August 2024 disaster, Ganga Devi’s house was completely destroyed in a landslide, along with all food supplies stored for the year. With no shelter and no resources, she was left to care for her young children amidst extreme vulnerability.
Challenges and Issues
Ganga Devi faced an immediate crisis in securing food and shelter for her children. The villagers helped by offering food and building a temporary shelter from palm leaves. To support her family, she borrowed money and began working as a laborer in the fields and under MGNREGA. Her earnings are used to feed her children, buy clothing, and cover school fees.
Despite her resilience, the lack of stable income, housing, and healthcare services continues to affect the family. Ganga Devi strives to ensure her children’s education, but the burden is heavy, and further support is critical for her long-term stability and rehabilitation.
