The Truth of Joshimath | Sinking City of Uttarakhand | Dhruv Rathee

Summary

Joshimath, a town in Uttarakhand, is facing a devastating land subsidence crisis, with large cracks appearing in homes, roads, and infrastructure. This issue, worsened by unplanned construction, hydropower projects, and climate change, has led to widespread evacuations. Experts have warned about the risks for years, but the government's response has been slow, and key infrastructure projects have exacerbated the problem. The crisis serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unsustainable development in sensitive regions and the urgent need for scientific studies and proper planning to protect vulnerable communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joshimath, a city in Uttarakhand, is facing severe land subsidence, with cracks appearing in numerous buildings, causing concern for the safety of its 17,000 residents.
• 😀 The city has been sinking due to a combination of natural causes and human activities, including unregulated construction and infrastructure development projects.
• 😀 The Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Project, which began in 2006, is believed by some experts to have caused significant harm to the area's geological stability, particularly due to a punctured aquifer.
• 😀 Climate change is indirectly contributing to the crisis, with increasing temperatures potentially leading to more frequent landslides and flooding in the region.
• 😀 Past warnings about the city's vulnerability to subsidence, dating back to 1976, were largely ignored, contributing to the present crisis.
• 😀 Construction activities like drilling and the use of explosives for infrastructure projects such as the Char Dham road and hydroelectric projects have weakened the city's foundation.
• 😀 ISRO's satellite data shows that Joshimath has sunk by approximately 5.5 cm over a span of just 12 days, signaling ongoing subsidence that may not be reversible.
• 😀 More than 80 families have been relocated due to the cracks and sinking, with the government offering compensation that has been revised upwards in response to local demands.
• 😀 The lack of proper drainage systems and infrastructure planning in Joshimath has worsened the situation, with geologists urging for better management of water resources and sustainable development.
• 😀 Local residents are blaming the government for poor planning, while the government points fingers at the construction companies and geotechnical instability for the crisis.

Q & A

What happened in Joshimath on January 2, 2023, and why is it significant?

On January 2, 2023, Prakash Bhotiyal, a 52-year-old resident, woke up to find large cracks in the walls of his home, affecting 9 out of 11 rooms. This event marked a significant escalation in the land subsidence issue affecting the entire city of Joshimath.

How many buildings in Joshimath are reported to have cracks due to land subsidence?

Cracks have been reported in about 700 buildings across Joshimath, with the entire city gradually sinking into the ground.

Why is Joshimath considered a strategically important location?

Joshimath is strategically important because it serves as the winter residence of Lord Badrinath and is located near the Indo-China border. It is also close to Auli, a popular skiing destination, and has a significant Indian Army base.

What factors contributed to the land subsidence in Joshimath?

The land subsidence in Joshimath is primarily caused by unplanned construction, the lack of proper drainage systems, and the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects like hydro-power plants and roads. Natural erosion and climate change also contribute to the problem.

What is the role of the Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Project in the subsidence crisis?

The Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Project is believed to be a major contributor to the subsidence. Construction of a tunnel for the project in 2009 allegedly punctured an underground aquifer, leading to a significant loss of groundwater, which weakened the land's stability.

How did the construction of the Helong-Marwari Bypass contribute to the crisis in Joshimath?

The construction of the Helong-Marwari Bypass, part of the Char Dham Project, involved extensive use of explosives and drilling, which further destabilized the land in Joshimath, contributing to the subsidence problem.

What do experts suggest is the long-term solution for Joshimath's land subsidence issue?

Experts suggest that the long-term solution includes conducting geotechnical studies to assess the strength of the rocks in the area, rethinking the region's drainage systems, and ensuring that future development follows sustainable practices to avoid further destabilizing the land.

What is the government's response to the crisis in Joshimath?

The government has promised compensation to the displaced families, initially offering ₹5,000 per month per family, which was later increased to ₹150,000. However, many locals are demanding higher compensation.

What is the relationship between land subsidence and climate change in Joshimath?

While climate change is not the primary cause of the land subsidence in Joshimath, it is expected to exacerbate the situation. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns could increase the likelihood of flash floods, landslides, and further destabilization of the region.

How have past studies and reports addressed the land subsidence issue in Joshimath?

Various reports, including those by the MC Mishra Committee in 1976 and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in 2006, have identified land subsidence as a major risk in Joshimath. These studies warned against construction activities and the lack of proper drainage systems, but the government did not fully address the concerns.