Why Joshimath sinking crisis is A WARNING for India | Abhi and Niyu

Summary

The script discusses the alarming situation of land subsidence in Joshimath, a Himalayan town in India, which is sinking due to heavy rainfall, floods, and unstable geological conditions. It highlights the government's inaction despite warnings from the 1976 Mishra committee report and the recent removal of a research paper by ISRO. The video suggests learning from China's earthquake-resistant construction methods and emphasizes the need for sustainable development and disaster-resistant infrastructure to prevent further ecological disasters.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ The Himalayan town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand is experiencing land subsidence, with buildings developing cracks and sinking into the ground.
• 📊 Over 20000 people reside in Joshimath, which is a significant location for tourism, religion, and military due to its proximity to the disputed border with China and religious significance.
• ⚠️ Warnings about the unstable nature of the region were issued 46 years ago but have been largely ignored, leading to worsening conditions.
• 🏗️ Construction activities have continued despite the area being declared unsafe, potentially exacerbating the land subsidence issue.
• 🌍 The phenomenon of land subsidence is not unique to Joshimath; it is also a problem in Jakarta, Indonesia, which is known as 'The sinking city'.
• 🔍 The land in Joshimath is unstable due to past landslides and is composed of loose sand and rocks, making it prone to natural disasters.
• 🏞️ The Indian plate's movement contributes to the instability of the Himalayas, increasing the risk of earthquakes and further destabilizing the region.
• 🚫 There is a cover-up of the truth regarding the situation in Joshimath, with research papers being removed and a lack of government action.
• 💡 Solutions to the land subsidence issue can be found by learning from other countries, such as using earthquake-resistant materials and sustainable construction methods.
• 🌳 Bamboo is highlighted as an excellent building material for disaster-prone areas due to its light weight and adaptability.
• 🌐 The script calls for a change in approach towards development in ecologically sensitive zones, emphasizing the need for sustainable and smaller-scale projects.

Q & A

What is the current situation in Joshimath?

Joshimath, a Himalayan town in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, is experiencing land subsidence, with houses developing large cracks and the town gradually sinking. Over 20,000 people are affected, and the issue has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall and floods in 2021.

Why is Joshimath significant for tourism, religion, and the military?

Joshimath is a crucial stopover for the Chardham yatra, a pilgrimage in Uttarakhand known as Devbhoomi. It is also strategically important for the military due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control with China and the presence of 20 military camps and installations in the area.

What was the impact of the heavy rainfall and floods in 2021 on Joshimath?

The heavy rainfall and floods in 2021 led to the development of cracks in the buildings, which were later declared unsafe by the government. Despite this, construction continued until January 5, 2023, which environmental experts believe worsened the situation.

What is land subsidence and how does it relate to Joshimath?

Land subsidence is the sinking or settling of the Earth's surface, and it is the phenomenon occurring in Joshimath. The area has sunk by 2.5 inches between 2020 and 2022, indicating instability in the ground.

What historical events have contributed to the unstable land conditions in Joshimath?

The area of Joshimath was affected by landslides many decades ago, and the town is built on this unstable land, which is made of loose sand and rocks. The continuous movement of the Indian plate towards the Eurasian plate also contributes to the instability.

What was the warning issued 46 years ago regarding the development in Joshimath?

The Mishra committee report from 1976 warned that the development in the region was not on stable rock and that activities such as heavy construction, excessive tree cutting, and agriculture on slopes would make the rocks more unstable.

Why has the government's response to the subsidence been criticized?

Critics argue that the government has been slow to act, with construction continuing despite warnings and unsafe buildings. Additionally, a research paper by ISRO that might have shed light on the issue was reportedly removed, raising questions about transparency.

What solutions are suggested to combat the issue of land subsidence?

The script suggests learning from other countries like China, which has researched materials that can resist earthquakes, and using lighter building materials like bamboo to reduce the impact of disasters. It also emphasizes the need for disaster-resistant infrastructure and sustainable development practices.

How does the script relate the issue of Joshimath to a broader environmental and developmental context?

The script connects the issue of land subsidence in Joshimath to the broader challenges of environmental sustainability and uncontrolled development. It calls for a balance between development and environmental protection, especially in ecologically sensitive zones.

What is the significance of the script's call for public support and sharing of information?

The script emphasizes the importance of public awareness and action, suggesting that the support of the people is crucial in addressing the issue of land subsidence and promoting sustainable development practices.

How does the script frame the issue of land subsidence in terms of future implications for India?

The script warns that if unaddressed, land subsidence and uncontrolled development could have severe consequences for India, with cities like Mumbai, Kochi, Mangalore, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam potentially sinking due to climate change impacts within the next 50 years.