In disaster-prone Uttarakhand, the first elected government established the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in 2007, making it the first state in India to initiate such an innovative experiment. However, over the past two decades, the department itself has struggled to recover from its own challenges. In response, the residents of Uttarkashi took matters into their own hands by forming the Uttarkashi Disaster Management Jan Manch.
This forum acts as a bridge between victims, funding agencies, and the government, ensuring timely and accurate assistance reaches those in need. It is connected with the District Disaster Management Authority, over 20 social organizations, more than 80 volunteers, as well as student groups, lawyers, district administration, social workers, journalists, and public representatives.
Dwarika Prasad Semwal, the forum’s president, recounted that in 1997, his village Bagi faced a disaster that caused the entire settlement to sink. While the government and several NGOs arrived to help, only a few truly needy families received relief. Recognizing the need for an organization to connect victims, social groups, and the government, locals founded the forum in 2010.
Semwal noted that while immediate aid flows to victims after a disaster, long-term needs often go unmet. The forum steps in to follow up with the government and financial aid agencies to provide sustained support. From the 2012–13 disaster to the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum has consistently extended help to those affected.
During the Kedarnath tragedy, the forum not only reunited separated families but also provided meals to searchers and ensured that disaster victims received adequate facilities. In the recent Dharali disaster, forum members reached the site to deliver essential supplies to the affected communities.
