While the country rapidly advances into an era of high-speed digital connectivity and sprawling expressways, a remote mountainous settlement in Uttarakhand's border district of Pithoragarh still requires travellers to navigate a treacherous 18-kilometre foot-path just to reach it. Even after 79 years of national independence, the village of Kanar situated in the Dharchula tehsil remains completely cut off from proper vehicular infrastructure. However, after years of persistent hardship, there is finally renewed hope for the much-awaited route as preliminary survey work for the project has officially concluded.
A perilous daily struggle for two thousand residents
For the roughly two thousand people residing in this settlement, traversing this lengthy and rugged track has become an unavoidable daily ordeal. Locals routinely risk their lives to reach connected areas, and several individuals have tragically lost their lives along this path over the years. Medical emergencies present a severe crisis; if someone falls seriously ill or an expectant mother requires hospitalization, makeshift stretchers remain the only available means of transport. Young children walking to school must also brave these hazardous routes daily. During elections, polling parties must embark on their journey on foot three days prior to the actual voting date just to reach the booths.
Wildlife sanctuary hurdles and democratic protests
The extent of public frustration is underscored by the fact that residents have previously boycotted four assembly elections and two general elections to press for their demands. The primary obstacle hindering development has been that the entire region falls under the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, making environmental clearance from the forest department a complex bottleneck. The proposed roadway is projected to span across approximately 31 hectares of land. Recognizing the urgency, the district administration and forest department have now launched coordinated actions to resolve these bottlenecks.
Joint administrative surveys and technical alignment
Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgain clarified the current administrative standing, noting that proceedings through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Dharchula and the forest department are moving forward at an accelerated pace. Both departments successfully completed a joint survey phase, and route alignment procedures are actively underway. Specialized teams are inspecting technical parameters on the ground to ensure that work advances smoothly while adhering strictly to environmental regulations.
Local aspirations and a pledge for environmental stewardship
Local resident Manoj Parihar articulated the community's deep-seated yearning for basic infrastructure, explaining how connectivity would completely transform daily existence. Highlighting the core sentiment, he stated, 'Sड़क पहुंचेगी तो गांव तक स्वास्थ्य और शिक्षा जैसी बुनियादी सुविधाएं आएंगी।' Villagers believe this development will truly integrate them with the rest of the nation. Addressing ecological concerns, the community has assured authorities that if trees must be removed for construction, they will voluntarily plant fifty thousand saplings in return to preserve local greenery.
