Sunday, 08 SEPTEMBER 2024 | PNS | UTTARKASHI
Urban Development, Housing and Parliamentary Affairs minister Prem Chand Agrawal, who is also the minister in-charge of Uttarkashi district, said that the government will take all possible steps on the recommendations of experts to treat the Varunavat mountain landslide and ensure safety of the inhabited areas. The minister said this while visiting the landslide affected area of Gufiyara-Jal Sansthan colony on Saturday.
The minister inspected the affected area and talked to the officials regarding treatment of the landslide and safety of the residents. He said that steps will be taken in consultation with experts to prevent landslide debris and rocks from the mountain from reaching the inhabited areas. In addition to such immediate measures, extension and strengthening of the metal railing erected in the past along with the construction of a safety wall will also be considered. The minister also talked to officials of THDC India Limited, Geological Survey of India and Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre (ULMMC) who are conducting a survey in the area. He asked the team members to submit their survey report at the earliest, adding that measures for treatment of the landslide and safety works will be decided based on the recommendations in the report. He also directed the district officials to ensure all necessary safety measures for protecting the people in the affected area.
District magistrate Meharban Singh Bisht informed that this time, the landslide had become active on August 27 and so far it had not displayed the tendency to expand. Debris and rocks are still on the mountain and the situation is normal at present. However, precautionary measures have been taken by the district administration for safety in the affected areas. The authorities have also made arrangements for accommodation in safer locations for people residing in potentially risky areas. A joint team of GSI, ULMMC and THDCIL has been conducting a survey in the area since Friday and will recommend immediate and long term measures for treatment of the landslide, Bisht said.
Gangotri MLA Suresh Chauhan and officials concerned were also present on the occasion.
