Chamoli – A large mahapanchayat was held in Simli demanding that the existing Women’s Base Hospital be upgraded and operated as a full-fledged Base Hospital. Representatives from more than 60 gram panchayats, including members of Mahila Mangal Dals, Yuvak Mangal Dals and local public representatives, participated in the gathering.
The meeting concluded with a warning that if the government order for the Base Hospital is not issued and the hospital is not made operational by August 15, residents will launch a public agitation.
The mahapanchayat, chaired by Manish Dimri at Simli Banatoli, saw strong criticism over the delay in implementing the government’s announcement. Committee president Devendra Singh Negi said the demand for a Base Hospital has been pending since 2012 and that despite Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announcing full Base Hospital status for the facility in 2024, the decision has yet to be implemented on the ground.
District Panchayat member Vikram Kathait said the issue has been raised repeatedly at various administrative and government forums, including multiple meetings with the Chief Minister, but residents are still waiting for concrete action.
Several speakers, including Kapiri Sangharsh Samiti president Khildev Rawat, Sohan Singh of Chhantoli, Neelam Juyal of Jasyara, former village head Santoshi Kanwasi of Boonga, former block chief Rajendra Sagoi and UKD leader Ashish Negi, demanded immediate approval and operationalisation of the Base Hospital. They warned that continued delays would force the region to intensify its protest.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Anil Nautiyal said the matter was discussed during the Assembly review meeting held on April 7, following which the government initiated the necessary process. While he initially stated that the government order would be issued within three months, he later accepted the public’s demand and assured that the notification would be released by August 15.
The committee also expanded its executive body during the mahapanchayat. Narendra Topal Shastri, Jasyara village head Pushpa Juyal and Chhantoli Mahila Mangal Dal president Sunita Devi were appointed ex-officio vice-presidents. Treasurer S.P. Bahuguna, secretary Prakash Semwal, Hemant Takola, B.N. Dimri, Prithvi Singh and Umesh Khanduri were also present.
