Monday, 11 March 2024 | PNS | JOSHIMATH
Continuing their opposition to the government’s plan to relocate them away from Joshimath, the native residents of the land subsidence affected town took out a protest rally on Sunday. A large number of people rallied to the Tehsil to the sound of traditional drums and musical instruments. The protesting locals presented a memorandum addressed to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to the sub divisional magistrate. In the memorandum containing 15 points, the natives have reiterated that they are not willing to be resettled away from Joshimath. Stating that there is secure land in areas from Marwadi to Sunil, Gaukh to Auli, Hosi to Aucha Manoti and other locations, the subsidence affected natives stated that the government should develop basic facilities like roads, electricity and water connections along with sewage in such areas where residential buildings and cowsheds should be constructed as per the standards to rehabilitate the subsidence affected natives of Joshimath.They further demanded that an embankment should be constructed on the left bank of the Dhauliganga. Proper drainage and sewerage should be ensured in all wards of Joshimath and the subsidence treatment work should also be started. Their demands also include payment of compensation for ancestral homes as provided for residential homes.
It is pertinent to mention here that the native residents of Joshimath affected by land subsidence have rejected the plan of the government to resettle them away from the town. They state that their ancestral lands, cultural roots, social connections and livelihood are based in Joshimath so they cannot shift to any location away from the town and their resources.
It will be recalled that responding to the demands of the Joshimath natives, the BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt had recently said that no risk of any type of construction can be taken at the site of the 1,200 buildings which have been marked in the danger zone in Joshimath by the government. Both the State government and the party organisation want the resettlement of the affected families to be facilitated as per the sentiments and wishes of the local residents. The government is considering two options. The first is that homes will be constructed on the land owned by the affected families in other parts of Joshimath, where they will be resettled while the second option is that those who do not own land in the area will be resettled on land near the town.
