Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, the tiny town of Uttarakhand is located at the site of an ancient landslide, Joshimath. Home to the winter abode of lord Badrinath, ground troops posted along the Sino-Indian border, and a camp for Himalayan expeditions, despite all of this, Joshimath is stuck into the headline for over a week now only for the wrong reasons.
This UK town of natural and cultural importance is sinking. Residents have raised complaints that the houses have developed cracks and the situation is turning worse. As per the latest report on the development of Joshimath's land sliding case, nearly over 500 houses have developed cracks. A survey conducted by government officials revealed that the fear among residents was true. Taking stalk of the matter Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the situation is being closely monitored.
But, in a run-up to the entire situation, the major question that stands here is where all this started, Joshimath’s geographical significance, and what is the latest course of development on the matter.
Where is JOSHIMATH?
Joshimath is a hilly town located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in the state of Uttarakhand. The city serves as a tourist town as it acts as an overnight rest stop for people visiting Badrinath, Auli, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib, among other important religious and tourist locations in the state. Joshimath is also of great strategic importance to the Indian armed forces and is home to one of the Army's most important cantonments.
The sinking town is located on the running ridge that is negotiated by running streams with a high gradient from Vishnuprayag, which is a confluence of the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers.
Why is JOSHIMATH sinking?
The panic among residents and the concern is making headlines now, however, the scientists and geologists working in the areas have been raising alarms related to the concern for decades. The first-ever report on the matter came way back in 1976. Mishra Commission appointed by the erstwhile commission found that the city of Joshimath is located at an ancient landslide.
Recently in 2022, a report stated that the area around Joshimath is covered with thick layers of overburdened material.
The biggest reason why Joshimath is sinking is related to the geography of the town. The landslide debris on which the city was established has a low bearing capacity and experts have long warned that it cannot support a high rate of construction.
Increased construction, hydroelectric projects, and the widening of the National Highway have made the slopes highly unstable in the last couple of decades.
Month-long celebrations for Ram Temple opening: Champat Rai
Month-long celebrations for Ram Temple opening: Champat Rai
While erosion due to the running streams from Vishnuprayag and sliding along the naturally flowing stream are the other prominent reason behind the city’s present state. The scattered rocks in the area are located over the debris of old landslides that comprises boulders, gneissic rocks, and loose soil.
Dr. Swapnamita Vaideswaran, Scientist, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in his report made back in 2005 revealed, "Seepage from streams uphill has been observed, which may have loosened the soil of Joshimath. The nalas disappear underground and arise overground downhill, bringing totally muddy water, and then join the Dhauliganga or the Alaknanda (beyond Vishnuprayag). The drainage system of the town of Joshimath is not well maintained. Wastewater from the days' usage flows through improper drains.”
What can be done to save JOSHIMATH?
Experts working on the matter have recommended a complete shutdown of the entire hydroelectric projects and developmental works in the region, but above there is an essential urge to relocate residents in the region at the earliest to a safer place and then work to find the new variables for resettling.
The drainage system needs to be taken care of, studies and surveys have found that the city is grieving through poor drainage and sewer management system, due to which the waste is seeping into the soil, loosening it from within. The government has asked the Irrigation department to work on the matter and create a new plan for the concerned matter.
Replantation is essential in the region, moreover, at the sites where things stand more vulnerable, while there is a need for a coordinated effort between the government and civil bodies with the aid of military organizations like the BRO to save Joshimath.
What is the government doing for sinking JOSHIMATH?
The central government has formed a panel to take stalk of the matter to work in a coordinated form with the state government and the authorities concerned.
CM and the government have ordered the immediate evacuation of 600 families staying in the most vulnerable regions to safer spots and have upheld the priority to save lives. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has reached Joshimath today, January 7th to take further inquiry on the matter.
The government has ordered complete availability on the ground and arrangements for airlifting people, besides ensuring medical facilities. Authorities have been guided to expedite work on the treatment of danger zones, sewer, and drainage.
The state government has said people whose houses are affected and have to vacate will get ₹ 4,000 a month as rent for the next six months from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.