Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and landslides are devastating occurrences that disrupt lives and destroy livelihoods. One particular place that is suffering from such catastrophe is the town of Joshimath, a significant transit location for tourists traveling to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. Notably, due to land subsidence, Joshimath developed cracks, inciting fear and protests among locals. With over 60 families evacuated to temporary relief centres, it has been declared a landslide-subsidence zone.
About Joshimath: A Town of Great Significance
Located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Joshimath is a tourist town and an overnight stop-over for visitors to Badrinath, Auli, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib, among other religious and tourism spots within the state. The town is also strategically important for the Indian armed forces, housing one of their critical cantonments. Surrounded by running streams from Vishnuprayag, the confluence of the Dhauliganga and the Alaknanda rivers, it is home to one of the four cardinal monasteries established by Adi Shankara.
The Unfortunate Sinking of Joshimath and its Causes
Cracks in walls and buildings were first reported in 2021, after the Chamoli district experienced frequent landslides and flooding. An expert panel found that several pockets of the town were sinking due to man-made and natural factors which have induced structural defects and damage. This was attributed to a myriad of reasons including the fact that Joshimath lies on a deposit of sand and stone, not on the main rock, hence it lies on an ancient landslide. River erosions, unsuitable geography, increased construction activities and widening of NH triggered instability. The running streams from Vishnuprayag are also contributing to the town’s land erosion.
The Impact and Way Forward
At least 66 families have fled from the sinking city so far, and over 3000 people have been affected. Experts suggest that a complete cessation of development and hydroelectric projects in the region could potentially mitigate the situation. However, the pressing issue at the moment is to relocate residents to safer locations and reconstruct the town’s drainage planning. The irrigation department has been tasked with this grave responsibility by the state, to redevelop the town’s drainage and sewer management system.
Key Considerations for Joshimath’s Survival
Experts have recommended replantation in the region to retain soil capacity and a collaborated effort between government, civil bodies and military organizations. It is also necessary to improve weather forecasting technology coverage to warn locals of imminent dangers. The state government needs to take scientific studies more seriously, specifically those explaining the reasons behind the current crisis. Therefore, acknowledging these findings will initiate the process of halting the state’s development frenzy.
Understanding Land Subsidence and Landslides
Land subsidence is described as a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface. Often caused by the removal of water, oil, natural gas or mineral resources out of the ground, it can also be triggered by natural events such as earthquakes, soil compaction, erosion, sinkhole formation and adding water to fine soils deposited by wind. Conversely, landslides denote any downward movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity, and they can be categorized into five types: falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows.
Previous Year Questions from UPSC Civil Services Examination
For those planning to take the UPSC Civil Services Examination, it is useful to look at previous year questions related to landslides and their risk management. These include questions on the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats, and the effects and causes of landslides along with important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.
Last Modified: February 19, 2024