Authorities in the Himalayan town of Joshimath have evacuated nearly 200 people from their homes, after hundreds of buildings in the area developed cracks. According to several press statements, cracks were reported in more than 600 houses in recent weeks. The damage has been attributed thus far to land subsidence. Experts claims Joshimath lies on an ancient landslide deposit of sand and stone, and not on the main rock making it naturally vulnerable to land subsidence. Undercutting by river currents of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga and increased construction on account of hydraulic projects nearby are also being attributed as contributing factors.
Authorities in the Himalayan town of Joshimath have moved nearly 200 people from their homes, after hundreds of buildings in the area developed cracks. According to several press statements, cracks were reported in more than 600 houses in recent weeks. The damage has been attributed thus far to land subsidence. Land subsidence is the lowering of the land-surface elevation due to changes that take place underground. It can arise from natural causes, human activities, or, often, by human activities destabilizing natural systems.
Joshimath, a town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, home to nearly 17000 people, is popular with tourists as it is a gateway to pilgrimages to Hindu and Sikh shrines. It also offers scenic trekking routes around the Himalayas. However, the town is now facing land subsidence, a phenomenon wherein the land surface begins to sink. Panic arose in the area when cracks appeared in over 600 homes following which officials relocated the residents to shelters and guest houses, in case of any further damage. According to a report by the Mishra Committee in 1976, Joshimath lies on an ancient landslide deposit of sand and stone, and not on the main rock. As such, the town currently resides in landslide debris. Due to which Joshimath has been at a great risk of land subsidence for quite some time. The report also highlights that undercutting by river currents of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga are contributing factors to landslides in the area.
The situation has been further exacerbated by increased construction, hydroelectric projects, and the widening of the National Highway in the past couple of decades. Such activities have rendered the slopes highly unstable and quite vulnerable to landslides. Experts, for many years have warned continuing such activities will without a doubt worsen the situation, without much heed from the concerned authorities. Following recent events and raging protests from the locals the government has finally stepped in, suggesting immediate evacuation, compensation for loss of property and the demolition of buildings considered at high risk as priority measures.
Experts are of the opinion that a complete shutdown of development and hydroelectric projects in the area may be a suitable step at present. Drainage planning is another factor that requires attention. The town suffers from a poor drain and sewer management system, which in turn leads to more waste seeping into the soil, loosening it from within and increasing the risk of land subsidence. After all the town's inhabitants have been safely evacuated, efforts can begin to rework the town's planning to accommodate the new variables and changing geographical factors.
The current state of disarray in Joshimath is a stark reminder as to why properly surveying an area before construction and practicing ethical construction methods are for the greater good. Although new legislation will be required to enact and subsequently enforce such practices, it is better later than never.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
