Joshimath crisis: How Government Ignored 1976 Report That Warned "Sinking" Town Has Fragile Geology

• Image Credit: Google

• Jan 11, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Geographically, the region is characterized by scattered rocks covered in old landslide debris made up of boulders, gneissic rocks, and loose soil with a...

Digital Desk: Joshimath, the "sinking" hill town in Uttarakhand, is facing land subsidence, and as a result, many buildings in the area are now unsafe for human habitation. Protests are currently taking place in the town, with citizens demanding compensation for their damaged properties. Panic arose when cracks appeared in over 600 homes, and then residents were asked to move out to safe shelters in case of further damage to their homes. Residents have experienced emotional distress as a result of their sudden displacement from their homes.

Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, on Tuesday (January 10) held a meeting at the secretariat to discuss the landslides in Joshimath. As per ANI, he directed the Chamoli District Magistrate to keep a close eye on the situation. The Chief Secretary stressed the significance of taking action to prevent landslide-related loss of life and property, advising that priority actions include the urgent transfer of people to safer places and the demolition of buildings deemed to be in high risk.

Report on Joshimath by Mishra Committee in 1976

Land subsidence is currently posing a serious threat to Joshimath. According to a 1976 report by the Mishra Committee, Joshimath is built on an ancient landslide deposit of sand and stone, and not on the main rock. So, this indicates that it is a part of landslide debris. The report also highlighted the undercutting by river currents of the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga as contributing factors to the landslides.

Geographically, the region is characterized by scattered rocks covered in old landslide debris made up of boulders, gneissic rocks, and loose soil with a limited bearing ability, according to the research. These gneissic rocks are severely worn and have a low cohesive value, leaving them prone to high pore pressure when saturated with water, especially during the monsoon season.

Increased construction and hydroelectric projects worsened land subsidence

In recent decades, increased construction activity, hydroelectric projects, and the extension of the National Highway have aggravated the situation in Joshimath. These actions have left the slopes highly unstable and prone to landslides. The running streams from Vishnuprayag and sliding along natural streams are also cited as other reasons for the city's fate.

Several experts said that the region's development and hydroelectric projects should be completely stopped right now. However, the immediate need is to transfer the population to a safer location and then redesign the town's development to suit the new variables and altering geographical circumstances.

One of the most critical issues that must be examined and redeveloped is drainage planning. Poor drainage and sewer management in the city cause more garbage to infiltrate into the soil, weakening it from the inside. The state government has asked the irrigation department to investigate the issue and develop a new drainage system plan.