Villagers of Dungar village in Pokhari development block of Chamoli district have started constructing a road on their own after years of waiting for basic connectivity. The village, which still lacks road access, witnessed tension after a forest department team reached the site and stopped the work, leading to a heated argument with locals.
According to villagers, they have repeatedly demanded a road from the administration, but no concrete action was taken. Left with no option, residents pooled money through public donations and began road construction themselves to connect the village.
Dungar village is known as the native place of late Dr Patiram Parmar, who received the title of Rai Bahadur during the British era. Villagers said the absence of a road has affected healthcare access, education, and daily movement, forcing them to take this step out of compulsion.
After receiving information, a team from the Nagnath Range of the Alaknanda Land Conservation Forest Division reached the spot. Forest Range Officer B L Shah said the road cutting work was being carried out without permission and violated forest laws. He said the work was stopped to prevent illegal activity.
Following the department’s intervention, a sharp exchange took place between villagers and forest staff. Gram Pradhan Diksha Bartwal said the village has remained without a road for decades and the action against villagers has further increased their problems.
At present, the road construction has been halted. The situation reflects the growing frustration in remote villages where lack of infrastructure continues despite repeated appeals to authorities.
