A Quarter-Century of Uttarakhand: Proud in the Peaks, Troubled in the Halls

Image Source: https://www.outlookindia.com/national/in-photos-the-ghost-villages-of-uttarakhand

{This Blog is part of “Uttarakhand@25 Blog Series” in collaboration with SDC Foundation and TA}

On the day of November 9th, 2000, a new state originated from the biggest state in India, Uttar Pradesh, and was named Uttaranchal (i.e.,“Uttar ka Anchal,” or the Northern Region). Inheriting a legacy unlike any other, with rugged mountains, ancient temples, and the revered Chota Char Dham pilgrimage routes, it proudly wears the title ‘Devbhumi’: the land of the divine.

As Uttarakhand approaches 25 years of statehood, one wonders what there is to celebrate. Should the tribute be to its majestic peaks, or to the resilience of its people enduring the strains of ‘development’ and ‘tourism’? 

Yes, infrastructure has expanded and opportunities have sprouted across the valleys, but it’s also undeniable that its children have been forced to leave their homes to seek basic education elsewhere, leading to depopulation and the creation of ghost villages”. For many, this “development” often feels extractive rather than inclusive.

Even in places that raised prominent figures like NSA Ajit Doval, ordinary families are seen struggling. While the State’s youth is still wrestling with unemployment, government-backed ventures have siphoned away state resources along with the hopes of countless people. 

Unfortunately, the story of Devbhumi is no different from the rest of India. Here’s a look at what we’ve done to Devbhumi: 

Economic Development

The BJP-led central and state governments have been keen to showcase their achievements, contrasting them with those of previous administrations. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted that from 2014 to 2024, Uttarakhand received an impressive ₹1.86 lakh crore in aid, a significant increase from the ₹53 thousand crore in aid allocated between 2004 and 2014. This influx of funding has led to prominent developments in crucial sectors, like water systems and transport, with development in roads, railways, and airports, and consequent job-creation commitments worth ₹3.56 lakh crore.

Environmental Concerns Amid Growth

The rapid expansion of religious tourism, particularly in the Chota Char Dham, has raised alarms. The number of pilgrims has surged from 4.5 lakh in 2012 to over 50 lakh in 2023, straining the region's delicate infrastructure and highlighting the pitfalls of prioritising short-term growth.

At a recent conference in Dehradun, concerns were raised about the alarming decline of Himalayan springs, which are essential for the 50 million residents of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Urbanization, climate change, and deforestation being the major contributors to this crisis, prompted the formation of the Himalayan Water Research Consortium to safeguard these vital spring systems.

Another source has warned of the potential for catastrophic ecological damage, highlighting incidents like the flash floods in Harshil Valley. Thus calling for development grounded in scientific and environmental considerations rather than unrestrained growth.

Ghost Villages & Migration Crisis

Uttarakhand’s rural heart, villages are slowly fading away. Between 2011 and 2017, over 734 villages were left uninhabited, and current estimates suggest that figure might approach 2,000 villages in the upcoming years. For instance, in Pithoragarh, about 60 villages have become "ghost villages," reflecting a troubling trend.

The roots of this widespread desertion can be traced back to structural neglect. Many areas face a lack of economic opportunities. School closures, healthcare shortages, agricultural challenges from wildlife, poor road connectivity, etc., further exacerbate the problem. For example, in villages like Molkhandi (Pauri), residents express frustration as roads end abruptly before reaching the village, along with highlighting a dire absence of teachers and doctors.

Youth & Education

The educational infrastructure in Uttarakhand is in dire straits. Out of 12,065 government primary schools, 1,149 lack primary teachers and 59% don’t have principals, leading to a significant drop in enrollments. In some cases, classrooms host only a single student.

Civic Malaise & Democracy in Decline

In recent panchayat elections, villagers expressed their needs clearly: jobs, roads, and clean water, but they felt ignored by the leaders they elected. Grievances like migration, disconnected leadership, and a lack of representation for women were voiced as widespread issues throughout Garhwal and Kumaon.

Even the decline of democratic structures is evident. Many ghost villages have empty or dysfunctional panchayats; after all local governance systems mirror the depopulation they’re supposed to address. Experts are now advocating for merging these villages administratively and promoting reinvestment in rural infrastructure and tourism as a means to revive these areas.

Looking ahead, as Uttarakhand marks its Silver Jubilee, let us end, not just with statistics or milestones, but with a song, one that echoes the soul of this land, its heritage, and its hope.

Glimpses of Hope

In contrast to the broader trends, some villages in Bageshwar are proving to be resilient. Khati and Wachham are thriving through ecotourism, sustainable farming, and herb collection. Here, families are earning up to ₹90,000 within a few months through home-stays and trekking services, along with school attendance of students remaining robust.‘Saira Gaon’ by Pandavas Music Band: 

“ऊँचा हिंवालैं का नीस, मेरौ रौंत्येलो मुलुक”

“Under the high Himalayas lies my beloved land”

This line captures something far beyond geography; it speaks of belonging, longing, and the quiet resilience of the hills. It reminds us that Uttarakhand’s true essence is rooted in those villages that cling to its slopes, in the stories carried by its winds, and in the folk voices that refuse to fade.

May the next chapter for Uttarakhand be written not solely in statistics or tourist revenues, but in the laughter of children in schools, the serenity of forest glades, and the consistent rhythm of mountain communities. Let this be a vision where every path taken, every policy crafted, and every note sung pays homage to Devbhumi, not just as a name but as a cherished home.

Jai Bharat, Jai Uttarakhand!

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Barkha Manral is a working professional focused on policymaking and development at India Internet Research Organisation (iiro.in). 

[The opinions expressed herein are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University, SDC Foundation, and The Analysis.]

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The series is curated by an editorial team led by Anoop & Rishabh (SDC Foundation), with Kanha, Visakha, Gautam and Alind from SCLHR and the team at The Analysis.

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