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A recent report by a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)-led panel reveals that two-thirds of houses in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, require reconstruction due to land subsidence. The report highlights that approximately 65% of houses have been affected by incidents of land subsidence, resulting in damage estimated at Rs 565 crore. Out of a total of 2,152 houses, a staggering 1,403 urgently need attention in the pilgrimage town.
The report, based on a post-disaster needs assessment from April 22 to 25, categorizes houses into different segments based on damage extent—black (partially collapsed), red (unsafe and slated for demolition), yellow (requiring repairs or retrofitting), and green (deemed safe). Among these, 472 buildings fall under the black and red segments, while 931 structures are categorized as yellow.
The comprehensive analysis conducted by a 35-member team, comprising professionals from the NDMA, United Nations agencies, CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other organizations, identified the primary causes of damage to houses in Joshimath. These include weak building material, inadequate reinforcement, structural deficiencies, and the placement of structures on steep slopes.
The total cost of reconstruction is projected to be Rs 422 crore, with an estimated Rs 91 crore for 472 houses and Rs 331 crore for 931 houses. The report emphasizes a "build back better" approach, calling for enhanced resilience of partially damaged houses against landslides and other disasters.
Data provided by the local administration indicated that the initial discharge of silt-laden muddy water, reaching 600 liters per minute on January 2, 2023, reduced to 200 litres per minute by January 11, and is currently almost none. Despite minimal discharge, the report recommends a comprehensive ban on construction activities in the town until the end of the monsoon season. Following a post-monsoon assessment of ground conditions, the proposal is to allow construction exclusively for lightweight structures.
This incident in Joshimath is not unprecedented. Landslides and instances of land subsidence were documented in the 1970s. A report submitted in 1978 recommended refraining from major construction work in the town and surrounding valleys due to their location on moraines—a mass of rocks, sediment, and soil transported and deposited by a glacier.
In September 2022, a report by the Uttarakhand government observed that the hill town, situated at a height of 1,830 meters, has been gradually sinking since the beginning of the previous year. The Himalayan town falls in seismic zone V, the region most vulnerable to earthquakes, making it prone to landslides and flash floods.
This comprehensive report sheds light on the urgent need for reconstruction and adopting resilient measures in Joshimath, emphasizing the importance of considering geological factors and sustainable building practices in vulnerable regions.
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