MHA Officials Call on Uttarakhand CM Dhami to Assess Joshimath Situation

GG News Bureau

Dehradun, 10th Jan. Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday to assess the situation in Joshimath, emphasizing the importance of determining the location of underground water accumulation in the subsidence zone.

The affected area is thought to have water accumulation under the ground, but the source of the water has yet to be determined.

A geological survey of the areas identified for rehabilitation of the affected people, according to the central team of officials, should also be carried out.

The assistance of scientists from all institutions involved will be sought to resolve the issue, they said, assuring the state government of full support from the Centre in dealing with the crisis, according to Ranjit Sinha, Secretary, Disaster Management.

The chief minister told the central team that Joshimath is an important town from a cultural, religious, and strategic standpoint, and that comprehensive efforts will be required to restore it.

He stated that efforts are being made on a war footing to save the town and evacuate the people living in the subsidence zone to safe locations.

Meanwhile, the state government is working on a relief package for the people of the disaster-hit town, which will be sent to the Centre soon, according to Sinha. It has also been decided to “mechanically remove” two hotels in Joshimath that have suffered from land subsidence.

Mount View and Malari Inn were closed after massive cracks appeared in the structures more than a week ago.

A team from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee conducted a snap review of the hotels in Joshimath and provided a list of equipment it will need for their “mechanical removal”, Sinha said.