Snowfall in Sinking Joshimath Adds to Woes of Frightened Residents

Joshimath: Uttarakhand’s  Joshimath facing the danger of land subsidence experienced this winter’s first snowfall on Friday. It brought in fresh woes and challenges for the authorities and residents trying hard to continue life amid the threat of land subsidence.

Till now 849 houses and several roads in Joshimath have developed cracks. Over 259 residents have been displaced to safe places. Two hotels in Joshimath are being demolished.

While evacuation work is still on in Joshimath, its streets and roofs got covered with snow. Dhanolti, Kedarnath, Mussourie, and Pithoragarh districts of Uttarakhand also experienced snowfall.

The meteorological department has predicted rain and snowfall in Joshimath, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh on January 19, 20, 23 and 24.

Continuous snowfall in Uttarakhand has led to the closure of the Gangotri National Highway.

The Uttarakhand government claimed that crack meters installed in the damaged houses of Joshimath have not shown any widening of cracks in the last three days. Uttarakhand CM Dhami has asked officials to prepare a rehabilitation plan in consultation with the affected residents for proper rehabilitation of families affected by recent land subsidence in Joshimath.