Monday, 28 November 2022 | Pradeep Bhandari | Joshimath
Many in Joshimath living in cracked homes supported by wooden poles
Despite the damage being caused by consistent landslides and subsidence in Joshimath, the authorities have not yet provided any relief to the affected residents leading to considerable discontent among the locals. Landslides and subsidence in various wards of Joshimath last year had resulted in cracks in the homes of the affected families. However, the authorities have not provided any assistance to the affected families so far. The seismic tremors being experienced often in the region have exacerbated the worries of the affected residents.
Since the landslides last year caused cracks in many homes, the residents have been using wooden poles to provide some support to the homes they are residing in. The tremors experienced in the recent months have spread fear among the residents. Residents are living in homes with cracks while also fearing for their lives in Gandhinagar, Ravigram and Sunil areas of Joshimath. Former ward member of Gandhinagar, Lalita Devi states that more than 40 families are living in such risky conditions in this area alone.
Further, there are 10 families living in homes with wooden poles for additional support. Jitendra, Vasant, Dinesh Lal, Durga Lal, Reena Devi, Pushpa Devi and others in Gandhinagar reside in homes supported by wooden poles. They spend the daytime in their homes but go to the homes of their relatives to spend the night. Fear and anxiety have increased since the earthquake tremors were felt recently, they state, adding that cracks in their homes have increased after the recent tremors. They have also sought safe accommodation from the administration.
Apart from this, recent landslide and subsidence in Manoharbagh ward in the absence of rain has further increased anxiety among the locals. Manoharbagh resident Bhagwati Prasad Kaparwan states that cracks in the roads, drains and houses have been increasing by the day in the area. A memorandum has also been submitted to the local administration in this regard, he added. Locals state that last month the authorities conducted a geological survey of the town but no help has been provided to the affected families so far.
It is pertinent to mention here that Joshimath in Chamoli district is important not only due to its proximity to the Indo-Tibet border but also as it is the last major town on the routes to Badrinath, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund.
