PNB donates Rs.1 crore to support relief work in Uttarkashi
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Punjab National Bank (PNB) has donated ₹1 crore to support relief work in Dharali and Harsil, two areas in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, that were severely affected by a recent disaster.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, thanked the PNB management for their contribution. He said the funds would help provide quick relief and support rehabilitation for the affected families. He also highlighted that when institutions and organizations step forward in such times of crisis, it shows their social awareness and sense of responsibility.
At the event, Additional Secretary Shri Manmohan Mainali and PNB’s General Manager Shri Anupam were also present.
On August 5, 2025, Dharali village in Uttarkashi Uttarakhand was hit by a sudden and violent surge of water, debris, and mud. Initially it was thought to be a cloudburst, but experts now suggest that a glacial lake outburst flood or glacier collapse may be the reason of disaster.
At least five people have tragically died, and dozens remain missing. Over 150 people have been rescued, yet more than 60 individuals are still unaccounted for. The Army, ITBP, NDRF, and SDRF are leading rescue and relief efforts in this rugged terrain. About 480 people have been airlifted, with helicopters continuously bringing evacuees and relief materials via makeshift helipads.
The Uttarakhand government has announced ₹5 lakh compensation for families of the deceased and those who lost their homes, along with immediate supply of rations, clothing, and essentials.
Uttarakhand is prone to disasters because its land is fragile, development is often unplanned, and extreme weather events like glacier melting and sudden heavy rains are becoming more common. Experts say this flood is not a one-time event and stress the need for better monitoring, early warning systems, and stronger infrastructure that can handle climate-related challenges.
At such a time, this monetary support from Punjab National Bank is extremely valuable. It will help provide urgent relief to those affected, support rehabilitation efforts, and ensure that essential supplies and services reach the disaster-hit areas quickly. Earlier also, Punjab National Bank and other public sector banks in India have supported the country in time of such disasters.