PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
With the land subsidence in Sauli village under Naugaon development block expanding and deepening, a committee–formed on the instructions of the district magistrate–conducted a field inspection of the most affected areas led by the geologists and sub-divisional magistrate Barkot. The inspection revealed that many buildings in Ward number 7, stretching between National Highway Yamunotri and Naugaon-Syuri motor road, have developed serious cracks following the heavy rain on August 7 and 8 due to land subsidence. While some buildings were found uninhabitable due to major cracks, the administration relocated these families to safer locations. As per the geological investigation, relocation is needed from several other buildings this monsoon itself which are standing precariously due to fast- developing cracks in them.
Experts believe that excessive soil cover and constant seepage of rainwater have weakened the soil. Pine trees located between the National Highway and the road connecting Suri village have also been observed tilting and shifting downhill, indicating continued land sliding in the area.
Local villagers told the administration that the problem had started with erosion that set in during the construction of the national highway, and has been exacerbated by the ongoing rainfall.
The geologists associated with the survey stated that a decision on the relocation of families living in the highly sensitive area would be made after a detailed examination of the inspection data. “A detailed report will be sent to the district magistrate, based on which further action will be taken by the Tehsil administration,” one of the geologists said.
