Joshimath: the witness of heaven to hell

#What is the case???

Joshimath is hit by the geological phenomenon of LAND SUBSIDENCE, which is the gradual sitting or sinking of the surface due to the removal of water, oil, natural gas, or mineral resources from the ground. According to recent shocking reports, Joshimath sank by 5.4 cm in a period of 12 days i.e., 27 Dec 2022 to 8 Jan 2023. Geology experts say the region had been a disaster waiting to happen.??

#Is Joshimath witnessing it for the first time???

The state of emergency did not happen overnight. In 1976, Joshimath witnessed land subsidence resulting in cracks in some houses. A 2006 scientific report revealed that some parts of Joshimath were sliding by 1 cm every year. Also, between April and November 2022, Joshimath had sunk by 8.9 cm. From 48 years ago to January 2023, report after report rang alarm bells in Joshimath.

#Destruction by land subsidence:??

According to recent reports cracks have been developed in almost 723 houses, while 86 houses have been identified as unsafe so far. A total of 131 families adding up to 462 people had been moved to the temporary shelters. Due to this sudden movement, many people lost their employment. Moreover, under the Joshimath city area, 213 rooms have been temporarily identified as habitable with their capacity estimated at 1191. Also, 491 rooms/halls have been identified in PipalKoti outside the Joshimath area with a combined capacity of 22025.?

#Reason behind land subsidence: ?

In 1976 when it was first observed a committee was formed that stated that the reason is the lack of proper drainage facilities. The soak pits which exist are responsible for creating cavities between soil and boulders. A similar report was given in 2006 also. According to experts, Joshimath has been built on ancient landslide material - meaning it rests on deposits of sand and stone and not rock which does not have a high load-bearing capacity. Even without the release of so many reports, there was still construction going on in sensitive areas which can also be stated as one major cause of land subsidence.??

#Is the government serious about the issue?

It was well said by a reporter that every time India experienced such land subsidence, the government used to form a committee and release another report stating less destruction by it. But is it the right approach towards such a major destructive issue in India? So far, 169 families with a total of 589 members have been relocated to relief centers. Also, affected property owners received Rs5000 rental purposes and their power bills were waived for six months. Such financial support is given by the government.?

# What is the right approach according to experts:??

Government must plan something to vacate the majorly affected areas. Recently a survey was conducted under which many houses and areas are marked red. People living in such areas must be given safe shelters where employment is accessible to them. Secondly, there is an urgent need to work on the causes of such land subsidence. Regular soil checks must be done. Moreover, surveys must be conducted to educate people regarding causes and precautions. We need to work on the roots of the cause.??

Conclusion:

Not only land subsidence but many hazardous environmental crises took place in India every year. Is this only Government's Responsibility to work on it? The answer is no. We all must know our actions are ruining nature very rapidly. Global warming, landslides, and earthquakes are affecting our life only. We need to grow as many trees as we can.