Woes of migration in Uttarakhand: SSB jawans perform last rites of elderly woman in deserted Pithoragarh village
In a remote village of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, migration has left so few residents that even last rites could not be performed without help. When 100-year-old Jhupa Devi passed away, SSB jawans stepped in to carry her body and assist in the funeral.
Pithoragarh: In Tadegaon village of Pithoragarh district, 100-year-old Jhupa Devi passed away recently. The village, located near the India-Nepal border, has been hit hard by migration. Only three able-bodied men were present—her son Ramesh Chand, grandson Ravi Chand, and another villager.
Traditionally, four men are required to carry the body to the cremation ground. With no one else available, the family informed the gram pradhan Deepak Bisht, who lives in a nearby village. Realizing the difficulty, Bisht contacted the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) unit stationed at the border post.
SSB Jawans step in
Responding to the call, SSB jawans reached the village and helped carry the body to the cremation ground on the banks of the Kali river, about 2 km away. They also assisted in performing the last rites, ensuring that the funeral was conducted with dignity.
This incident highlights the serious impact of migration in Uttarakhand’s border villages, where many families have moved away in search of livelihood, leaving behind only the elderly.
Migration Crisis in Uttarakhand
Large-scale migration from hill villages has created a crisis. Many villages are left with only elderly residents, while younger generations settle in towns and cities. This has led to situations where even basic social and cultural traditions, like funerals, cannot be performed without outside help.
Lack of basic amenities are the major reasons
Experts say that lack of employment opportunities, poor infrastructure, and limited healthcare are major reasons behind migration. Border villages like Tadegaon face additional challenges due to their remote location and difficult terrain.
Presence of SSB jawans was a source of strength in a moment of helplessness
The role of SSB jawans in this incident has been praised widely. Their support not only helped the grieving family but also showed how security forces are stepping in to fill the gap left by migration.
For Jhupa Devi’s family, the presence of SSB jawans was a source of strength in a moment of helplessness. For the state, it is a reminder of the urgent need to address migration and revive life in remote villages.
Over 1700 villages have been declared ghost villages
Over 1,700 villages in Uttarakhand have been declared ghost villages, with no residents left due to migration. Families have moved to towns and cities seeking jobs, education, and healthcare. These abandoned villages reflect the deep crisis of depopulation in the hills, leaving traditions and homes behind.