Himachal: Daily wage laborer lost his house in the rain, is struggling to make a living

Himachal Pradesh: Unprecedented heavy rains have devastated the life of Prakash Chand, a daily wage labourer of Dhawala Panchayat in Dehra subdivision of Kangra district. His two-room kutcha house could not withstand the incessant rain. The foundation weakened, the walls collapsed and the house was reduced to rubble. Miraculously, Prakash and his family escaped unhurt. However, the devastation has completely devastated the family. Their food grains, bedding and the few belongings are now buried under the rubble. For Prakash, who is also a heart patient, the loss is unbearable. Holding back tears, he said, “Earlier it was difficult to arrange for two meals a day, now the roof is gone. I don’t know where to take my family.”

Gram Panchayat Pradhan Anjana Devi, saddened by the tragedy, rushed to the spot and consoled the family and assured them of all help. Revenue department officials have also assessed the damage and promised immediate relief as per government rules. For now, Prakash and his family are taking temporary shelter at his brother’s house. However, this arrangement has been given a time limit of two months, after which they will have to find another option. Their struggle is similar to that of countless families in Dehra subdivision who are grappling with despair and displacement amid nature’s fury this monsoon.