District Magistrate Swati S Bhadauria visited Umaraila village in Dugadda block of Kotdwar and heard residents’ complaints during a meeting at the panchayat house. She sat on the floor while speaking with villagers about local infrastructure, drinking water, wildlife risks and transport-related concerns.

The district magistrate reached the village on Sunday evening with Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sandeep Kumar, District Social Welfare Officer Rohit Dubadiya and other officials. Gram Pradhan Sangeeta Devi welcomed the visiting officials.

Road and safety concerns

Residents said resurfacing carried out a few months ago on the Aita-Umaraila-Charekh motor road had already deteriorated at several places. They also reported that the absence of roadside drains allows rainwater to collect on the road.

Villagers said thick bushes between Aita bridge and Charekh were creating risks of accidents and encounters with wildlife. The issue of damage caused by elephants in Malla Umaraila was also raised during the meeting.

Residents of Bungdhar sought resurfacing for their unpaved road and asked authorities to stop the dumping of debris along roadsides. The complaints focused on road safety, access and the condition of routes connecting nearby settlements.

Water, access and compensation issues

Girish Chandra Gaud of Mahargaon requested a permanent walking route to the village of freedom fighters and a memorial gate near Aita bridge. The demands were linked to improving access and honouring freedom fighters from the area.

Bharat Singh asked officials to extend drinking-water facilities to Umaraila Malla. Indu Devi said wildlife had killed her cow in July 2022, but she had still not received compensation.

Villagers also complained that vehicle operators were charging students excessive fares. The district magistrate said instructions would be issued to the Regional Transport Office for action on the complaint.

Assistance and official directions

The Social Welfare Department distributed wheelchairs, walkers, walking sticks and hearing machines to selected people with disabilities. The district magistrate also informed residents that a health camp would be organised at the end of the week.

She directed Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sandeep Kumar and Block Development Officer BD Raturi to take steps to resolve the issues raised by residents. The meeting brought road, water, wildlife, compensation and transport complaints before the district administration.

Conclusion

The Umaraila meeting placed several village-level concerns before the administration, including damaged roads, drinking-water access, wildlife-related losses and student fares. The district magistrate directed local officials to pursue their resolution and announced assistance through equipment distribution and a health camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where did the district magistrate meet villagers?

The meeting was held at the panchayat house in Umaraila village, within Dugadda block of Kotdwar.

Q. What road problem did residents report?

They said resurfacing on the Aita-Umaraila-Charekh motor road had deteriorated at several places. They also said the road lacked drains for rainwater.

Q. What wildlife concerns were raised?

Residents reported risks from bushes between Aita bridge and Charekh, elephant-related damage in Malla Umaraila and a pending compensation claim for a cow killed in July 2022.

Q. What did villagers request for drinking water?

Bharat Singh requested that drinking-water facilities be extended to Umaraila Malla.

Q. What action was discussed over student fares?

The district magistrate said instructions would be given to the Regional Transport Office regarding the complaint of excessive fares charged to students.

Q. What assistance was distributed during the visit?

Selected people with disabilities received wheelchairs, walkers, walking sticks and hearing machines through the Social Welfare Department.

Q. What health service was announced?

The district magistrate said a health camp would be held at the end of the week.

Q. Which officials were told to address the complaints?

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sandeep Kumar and Block Development Officer BD Raturi were directed to work on resolving the issues.