Public Sector Bank Steps Up CSR Efforts to Aid Flood-Hit Communities in Uttarkashi
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a powerful gesture of solidarity, Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s foremost public sector banks, has donated Rs 1 crore to the Uttarakhand Disaster Management Fund to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-ravaged regions of Dharali and Harsil in Uttarkashi district. This Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contribution, presented on August 10, 2025, reflects PNB’s unwavering commitment to supporting communities grappling with the aftermath of natural calamities, offering hope to those rebuilding their lives amidst unprecedented challenges.
A Timely Response to a Devastating Crisis
The cheque presentation took place in Dehradun, with Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, receiving the donation in the presence of Additional Secretary Shri Manmohan Mainali and PNB’s Dehradun Zonal Head, Shri Anupam. The funds are targeted at aiding communities hit by a catastrophic cloudburst on August 5, 2025, which unleashed flash floods and mudslides in Uttarkashi’s Dharali and Harsil areas. The disaster claimed several lives, displaced hundreds, and caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. PNB’s contribution will support immediate relief efforts, including the provision of food, shelter, and medical aid, while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.
Uttarakhand’s Ongoing Battle with Natural Disasters
Uttarakhand, often referred to as Devbhoomi, is no stranger to nature’s fury, with its hilly terrain making it particularly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts. The August 2025 cloudburst in Uttarkashi was among the deadliest in recent years, with preliminary estimates indicating over Rs 500 crore in damages and more than 20 lives lost across the affected regions. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, over 1,200 families were displaced, with critical infrastructure like roads and bridges severely impacted. The frequency of such events has risen, with climate experts attributing a 12% increase in extreme weather incidents in the Himalayan region since 2020 to global warming and unplanned development.
PNB’s Commitment to Social Good
Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO of PNB, emphasized the bank’s deep connection to Uttarakhand’s people, stating, “In times of crisis, our responsibility extends beyond banking to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those in need. This donation is a testament to our resolve to help Uttarakhand’s communities rebuild with dignity and strength.” PNB’s CSR portfolio is robust, with over Rs 150 crore allocated in 2024-25 to initiatives spanning education, healthcare, and disaster relief nationwide. In Uttarakhand alone, PNB has previously supported rural education programs and healthcare infrastructure, including a Rs 50 lakh donation in 2023 for flood relief in Chamoli district. This latest contribution underscores the bank’s role as a pillar of support during crises.
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A Call for Collaborative Recovery
The road to recovery for Uttarkashi’s affected communities is long, with experts estimating that full rehabilitation could take over a year. Beyond immediate aid, the funds will support rebuilding efforts, including restoring water supply systems and reconstructing homes to withstand future climatic shocks. PNB’s donation sets a precedent for other corporations to join hands with government and local organizations. Chief Minister Dhami praised the bank’s swift response, urging more private entities to contribute to Uttarakhand’s resilience-building efforts. Community-driven initiatives, such as local cooperatives providing temporary shelters, are also gaining momentum, highlighting the collective spirit driving recovery.
(India CSR)
