Char Dham pilgrims and local residents in Uttarakhand will soon benefit from special disaster-resilient shelters, aimed at ensuring safety during natural calamities. The State Disaster Management Department is preparing to construct these shelters under the World Bank-funded “U-Prepare” scheme. Initially, 10 multipurpose shelters will be built as a pilot project across the Char Dham route. If successful, the model will be expanded to other disaster-prone areas of the state.
Inspired by Odisha’s shelter system—developed for tsunami-affected populations—Uttarakhand is tailoring the concept to suit its own unique challenges, including landslides, floods, earthquakes, cloudbursts, avalanches, and land subsidence. These shelters will be equipped with essential facilities such as food, accommodation, and medical care, ensuring immediate relief during emergencies.
The Disaster Management Department has already initiated the selection process for agencies to design and advise on the construction and operation of these multipurpose shelters. Officials noted that these shelters will be strategically located close to roads to ensure easy accessibility.
