Residents of Simli in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, have begun a padyatra to Dehradun to demand a base hospital in their area. The march is being led by the Base Sangharsh Samiti, which says people want access to proper treatment closer to home.
The mobilisation follows a “Gaon Chalo, Ghar-Ghar Chalo” campaign organised by the Samiti before the padyatra began. During that campaign, its members visited more than 50 villages and received support from Mahila Mangal Dals and residents across the area.
Why residents are marching
Samiti president Devendra Singh Negi said people have come forward in large numbers for the campaign. The organisation’s demand is for local medical treatment instead of repeated referrals to distant hospitals.
For residents of the area, reaching hospitals can involve travelling along long mountain roads. The padyatra is intended to carry that concern to Dehradun, where the participants will press for the proposed base hospital at Simli.
The march follows an announcement by the Base Sangharsh Samiti that residents would travel to the state capital to make their demand heard. The campaign has drawn participation from people in Simli and nearby villages, along with support from local women’s groups.
Community support
The outreach effort placed the hospital demand before residents across the area before the march began. Support from Mahila Mangal Dals and villagers helped broaden the campaign beyond Simli itself.
The central issue remains access to treatment near home. Residents say distant referrals create a difficult journey for people who need medical care, particularly when hospitals are reached only after travelling over long mountain routes.
The padyatra now represents the next stage of the campaign. Participants are walking towards Dehradun to seek attention for the demand and to press for a base hospital at Simli.
Conclusion
The Simli-led padyatra has begun its journey to Dehradun after outreach across more than 50 villages. The campaign is demanding a base hospital so residents can seek treatment closer to home instead of travelling to distant hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Simli padyatra demanding?
The padyatra is demanding a base hospital at Simli in Chamoli, Uttarakhand.
Q. Where are the participants travelling?
The participants have set out towards Dehradun to make their demand heard.
Q. Who is leading the padyatra?
The Base Sangharsh Samiti is leading the padyatra.
Q. Who is the president of the Base Sangharsh Samiti?
Devendra Singh Negi is the Samiti’s president.
Q. How many villages did the Samiti visit before the march?
The Samiti visited more than 50 villages through its “Gaon Chalo, Ghar-Ghar Chalo” campaign.
Q. Which groups supported the campaign?
Mahila Mangal Dals and residents across the area supported the campaign.
Q. Why do residents want a hospital at Simli?
They want proper treatment closer to home instead of referrals to distant hospitals over long mountain roads.
