Almora – The ongoing protest organized under the banner of Rashtraniti Sangathan at Gandhi Park, Almora, entered its 29th day today. Following a complaint filed with the Prime Minister’s Office and a symbolic begging campaign launched across urban and rural areas, the local administration has finally taken notice. Chief Development Officer (CDO) contacted the protestors via phone and assured that steps would soon be taken to resolve their issues.
Led by Advocate Vinod Chandra Tiwari, the movement is focused on four key demands: construction of a bridge over the Kosi River in the villages of Khunt, Dhamas, and Senar Chan; blacktopping of the local road; provision of proper drinking water facilities at GIC Khunt; and granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the hill communities of Uttarakhand.
During the conversation between the CDO and Vinod Tiwari, several contentious points arose. The CDO claimed that GIC Khunt already had adequate water supply. Tiwari strongly objected, stating that the school lacks both a water tank and pipeline, making such a claim baseless. On the matter of the road, the CDO stated that a road exists in the region, to which Tiwari sharply responded, questioning why excavation was carried out if there were no plans to build a bridge or complete the road.
The CDO assured that departmental officials would soon visit the site to assess the situation firsthand. Tiwari expressed cautious satisfaction with this commitment but did not hold back from criticizing the administration’s previous inaction. He pointed out that officials often remain in their air-conditioned offices while ignoring ground-level problems, calling this attitude highly unfortunate.
Several supporters were present at the protest site, including Nandan Singh Bisht, Govind Prasad, Chandramani Bhatt, Pooran Singh, Kamlesh, and Neha. With growing public support and awareness, the movement is mounting increased pressure on the administration to act promptly.
