Joshimath declared ‘sinking and landslide zone’, Over 60 families evacuated: Report

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ Joshimath has been declared a ‘sinking zone’ in the wake of continuing land subsidence, with several homes and roads developing cracks over the last few days, driving residents outdoors and triggering fear.

Taking stock of the prevailing situation in the popular pilgrimage site, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given instructions for monitoring all ongoing development works in the area while ensuring immediate relief and rescue of residents affected by the Joshimath landslide and subsidence.

He has also directed all possible help to the affected locals and speeding up of all development work in the area. Meanwhile, Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana went door to door in the affected area to assess the extent of damage, while urging residents in houses that have developed cracks to move to relief centres.

According to the Chamoli District Disaster Management Authority, 603 buildings in Joshimath town have developed cracks. A total of 68 families have been ‘temporarily’ displaced.