Life Returns to Martoli: Villagers Reclaim Abandoned Homes
UPDATE: Life is gradually returning to the abandoned village of Martoli in Uttarakhand, India, as a handful of villagers reclaim their ancestral homes this summer. After decades of abandonment following the sealing of the border with China in 1962, signs of revival are emerging, with a new guesthouse catering to trekkers visiting the nearby Nanda Devi base camp.
Once a bustling hub with around 1,500 residents, Martoli is now a shadow of its former self, housing only a few returning families during the warmer months. Among them is Kishan Singh, who, at 77, is determined to revive the land where he grew up. “I enjoy being in the mountains and the land here is very fertile,” Singh stated, as he prepares to cultivate buckwheat, strawberries, and black cumin.
The transformation began as roads improved, allowing access to the previously isolated villages of Laspa, Ghanghar, and Rilkot. With vehicles now reaching within a few kilometers, more villagers are starting to return. Just a few summers ago, only three or four people would make the trip back to Martoli. This year, the returning population is slowly growing as nostalgia and opportunity draw people back.
Singh, who left Martoli at the age of 14, has dedicated his summers to farming the land that shaped his childhood. He sleeps in a neighbor’s abandoned home due to his own roofless structure, yet finds joy in the fertile soil. Singh hires mules to transport his harvest to the plains, aiming for modest profits in the market.
The village, once vibrant with trade in salt, wool, and agricultural products, now stands with only remnants of its rich history. The situation reflects a broader trend of rural return as younger generations seek to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
Local authorities have acknowledged the potential of revitalizing Martoli and surrounding villages, with plans for improved infrastructure on the horizon. For now, the return of families like Singh’s represents a beacon of hope in a region long marked by isolation.
As interest in trekking and eco-tourism grows, Martoli could see an influx of visitors and new residents. The local guesthouse, catering to the adventurous spirit, is a positive sign of economic potential in this once-forgotten corner of the Himalayas.
Developments in Martoli are a reminder of the resilience of community ties and the enduring allure of the mountains. With each returning villager, the heartbeat of Martoli begins to echo once more, making it a story worth following as it unfolds.
