Dear Airbnb.org Team and [Airbnb India Head’s Name],
I am writing to you on behalf of the devastated community of Tandi Village in Jibhi Valley, Himachal Pradesh, famously known as the 'Tree House Village of India.' On New Year’s Day 2025, at approximately 2:30 PM, a catastrophic fire engulfed our entire village, leaving us in ruins.
Tandi Village, nestled in the pristine Jibhi Valley, was more than just a tourist destination—it was a living museum of sustainable mountain architecture and cultural heritage. Our iconic tree houses and traditional Kath-Kuni homes attracted visitors from across the globe, celebrating the magic of community-based tourism and harmonious living with nature.
The fire began in a fodder shed and, fueled by stored winter firewood and fodder, rapidly spread through our closely built structures. Despite the valiant efforts of our villagers and fire teams, the flames consumed every family home, the sacred store (Kothi) of our deity Gadpati Sheshnag, and all our winter supplies, including food and livestock fodder.
The Devastation at a Glance:
Complete Destruction: Every home and our iconic tree houses have been reduced to ashes.
Loss of Livelihoods: Tourist accommodations that sustained many families have been destroyed.
Cultural Loss: Centuries-old artifacts and heirlooms were lost in the sacred Kothi.
Essential Supplies Gone: Families have no food, blankets, or winter essentials.
Infrastructure Damage: Utilities and community spaces have been severely affected.
While we are grateful that no human lives were lost, the scale of devastation—estimated at ₹13 crore (₹100 million)—is overwhelming. Families are now living in makeshift shelters during one of the harshest winters in Himachal Pradesh.
Our Appeal to Airbnb.org:
As a proud Airbnb host and community leader in Himachal Pradesh, I have witnessed firsthand how Airbnb has championed sustainable tourism and community development. Tandi Village embodied this spirit, and we urgently need your support to:
1. Provide Immediate Relief: Distribute food, blankets, and winter essentials to displaced families.
2. Rebuild Homes and Heritage: Restore traditional Kath-Kuni architecture with modern safety measures.
3. Rebuild Tourist Infrastructure: Revive the tree houses and accommodations that supported our livelihoods.
4. Restore Utilities and Basic Services: Reestablish water, electricity, and sanitation.
5. Support Documentation Recovery: Help families recover vital documents and savings.
6. Rebuild Community Spaces: Strengthen the social fabric of our village.
We humbly request Airbnb.org to consider supporting our community through your disaster relief initiatives. Your contribution can help us restore hope and rebuild one of India’s most unique cultural and tourist destinations.
Together, we can ensure that Tandi Village rises from the ashes and continues to inspire visitors from across the world. Please let us know if further information or documentation is required to facilitate this support.
Thank you for your attention and your commitment to making a difference in the lives of communities like ours.
Warm regards,
Jagdish Chand
Airbnb Host Community Leader
Himachal
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