New Delhi (Agency): The town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand has faced serious issues related to land subsidence, and the situation has worsened with the appearance of fresh cracks in the area. In response, the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has been called upon to survey the cracks and assess the situation.
In January, Joshimath’s land subsidence crisis had garnered national attention when massive cracks emerged in houses, fields, and roads, rendering the town unsafe for habitation. Many people were subsequently relocated to safer locations.
Chamoli District Magistrate (DM) Himanshu Khurana recently held a meeting with officials from various departments to discuss rebuilding efforts for the damaged parts of the town. The officials were instructed to collaborate with CBRI scientists to survey the new cracks and to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for retrofitting affected buildings and strengthening the Narsingh Mandir motorway.
The CBRI’s expertise is not new to Joshimath; they were previously involved in overseeing the demolition of two hotels that posed a threat to nearby residents.
Additionally, officials were directed to select land for prefabricated buildings, such as the Community Health Centre and a damaged college building in Joshimath. They were also asked to consult with those in the tourism sector and identify land for new tourist facilities.
Further directives were given to the Jal Sansthan to tender a new drinking water scheme and to the Jal Nigam to select a consultant for preparing sewer lines and a drainage system action plan for all wards of the Joshimath municipality.
In collaboration with THDC India Limited, the Irrigation Department was tasked with preparing a DPR for constructing a safety wall on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Joshimath area.
These comprehensive steps demonstrate the administration’s commitment to restoring safety and functionality to the subsidence-hit town. The involvement of CBRI ensures that scientific expertise guides the rebuilding process, aiming to prevent future occurrences and create a resilient infrastructure.
