Himalayan Holy Town Joshimath in Danger; Cracks Develop in Roads and 600 Houses

Joshimath: Because of continuing land subsidence, cracks have developed in around 600 houses in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath panicking its citizens. Roads in this Himalayan town that has great religious and strategic importance are also developing cracks.

Now, these cracks have appeared in all nine wards of Joshimath. Joshimath is considered to be the gateway to climbing expeditions in the Himalayas. It is also a major centre for pilgrims traveling to Badrinath and Kedarnath. It is also the home to the Jyotirmath Hindu monastery.

More than 3,000 people or 10 percent of the total population are affected by this recent environmental hazard in Joshimath. People are supporting their cracked houses with bamboo poles.  After the sinking of land caused by climate and infrastructural changes, around 60 families are reported to have left town. Around 30 families were taken to safer places by the administration on Wednesday. As per reports around 500 families are risking their lives by still living in houses that have developed cracks.

Experts including those from IIT Roorkee are in Joshimath to prepare a report regarding the recent developments. This report will be sent to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is expected to visit Joshimath soon to take stock of the situation.