Uttarakhand’s Joshimath Might Sink Very Soon And Here’s Why!

by Vaishalee Kalvankar
Uttarakhand’s Joshimath Might Sink Very Soon And Here’s Why!

Joshimath is also known as Jyotirmath and is known as a sacred city in Uttarakhand because it is believed to be the winter seat of Lord Badri. It is just an hour’s drive from Raini and last year about 200 people died here due to floods. Recently a survey was conducted and the scientists have warned about the sinking of Joshimath because of the excavation for various developmental work. 

Multiple Infrastructural Activities Are The Reason

In November last year, Joshimath started facing the issues like land subsidence and soil creep which worried the local residents. They expressed their worry to the state government but did not get any response. Hence they approached an independent body for the survey, including environmentalists, geologists, glaciologists and botanists. Along with the Raini flash flood, multiple infrastructure projects are cited as causes of issues in the town is what the analysis said. In the town, construction is going on for the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydropower plant and Char Dham road, along with rapid urbanization. The construction of such structures is one of the leading causes of “stress” on already weak geography and ecosystem. 

Pic Credits : Travelphantom.com

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Construction Only After Examining The Stability

Based on the findings from the survey, the scientists have said that any further construction in the areas should be allowed only after the examination of the stability of the soil. Also, restrictions should be imposed on excavations on the slope and the boulders should not be removed by digging or blasting. There should also be restrictions on the trees being cut in the landslide areas. Ways should be found to bring stability to the areas prone to subsidence. According to the panel, widening the 20 km-stretch of all-weather Char Dham road between Helong and Marwari should only be undertaken following slope treatment.

Pic Credits: India Today

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