Chamoli(Ankit Tiwari): Under the seven-day special camp of the National Service Scheme (NSS) at Dr. Shivanand Nautiyal Government Postgraduate College, Karnaprayag, volunteers conducted an economic survey of the villages Girsa and Jilasu under the guidance of Program Officer Dr. Hina Nautiyal. The survey was conducted using the direct research method.
Girsa village has a total population of 600, out of which 40 families from 90 households were selected for the survey. The study revealed that migration in search of employment is a major issue. Most of the remaining residents in the village depend on agriculture, but challenges like crop damage caused by wild animals and water scarcity persist. Villagers suggested that ‘Bharat Gufa’ (Bharat Cave), located near the village, should be developed as a tourist site to create job opportunities and curb migration.
In Jilasu village, 35 families out of 55 were selected for the study. Agriculture remains the primary occupation here as well, but crop damage by wild animals is a significant problem. The villagers proposed that fencing arrangements could help mitigate this issue. During the survey, volunteers performed street plays to raise awareness about drug addiction and cybercrime.
Group leaders Saloni and Himani, along with Asmita, Nidhi, Mansi, Himani, Deepika, Khushi, Aanchal, Neetisha, Diya, Amisha, Riya, Ayesha, and Manisha, played a crucial role in the survey. Senior Program Officer Dr. Chandrawati Tamta was present during the camp and appreciated the volunteers’ efforts, considering it a vital step toward rural development.
Former and retired principal of the college, Prof. K.L. Talwar, stated in his message that the survey data collected by NSS volunteers could be instrumental in implementing government development schemes at the grassroots level.
