The story of the very beautiful Kharak village of Dehradun

Kharak village, part of Gadul Gram Panchayat in Dehradun district, is known for its fertile lands and terraced fields stretching into the distance. The village offers breathtaking natural beauty but faces significant challenges. Only a few families remain, as many have migrated for education and employment. The most pressing issue is the lack of a proper road. Although plans are in place to construct a 4-km road from Sanggaon Bridge to the village, the timeline remains uncertain. According to 73-year-old Buddhi Prakash Bhatt, who has spent most of his life in Kharak, building the road is his lifelong dream.

The pathway from Sanggaon Bridge to Kandoli is in poor condition, despite earlier promises to develop Surya Dhar Lake for tourism. The absence of roadside safety features, like parapets, poses risks for visitors and residents alike.

Our journey to Kharak involved traversing a steep and rough mountain trail, starting from Kandoli village. The area is rich in natural beauty, featuring verdant mountains and a river. Along the way, we passed Sebuwala, a picturesque village near Jakhan, but it too faces water shortages and dried-up fish ponds.

Kharak remains serene, with the chirping of birds being the primary sound. The terraced fields are adorned with crops such as peas, and recently harvested mustard plants, used for oil production, were visible.

Currently, only a few families reside in the village, including Bhatt’s family, who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.