India
Joshimath, which is a holy town in Uttarakhand, is currently sinking and leading to a crack in the foundation of many houses and infrastructures.
Updated : Jan 10, 2023, 08:02 AM IST | Edited by : Vaishnawi Sinha
The crisis in Uttarakhand’s holy town Joshimath is now intensifying with the government confirming that the town is indeed sinking, leading to the displacement of thousands of people living in the town. The families have now been moved to safe locations, while Centre is trying to fix the issue.
During the expert survey of Joshimath, scientists discovered huge cracks on the walls and floors of houses, as well as deep cracks on roads and foundations of infrastructural projects. Now, people are blaming climate change and infrastructural projects for this crisis.
While speaking to PTI, the director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology Kalachand Sain revealed the top reasons behind the Joshimath sinking crisis, noting down three key factors which played a role in the ground of Joshimath's verging collapse.
Mr Sain told PTI, “The three principal factors are Joshimath's vulnerable foundations as it was developed on the debris of a landslide triggered by an earthquake more than a century ago, its location in seismic zone V which is more prone to earthquakes besides gradual weathering and water percolation which reduce the cohesive strength of the rocks over time.”
Here are 5 reasons why Uttarakhand’s Joshimath is sinking
(With PTI inputs)
READ | Joshimath sinking: Supreme Court asks petitioner to mention PIL on Tuesday for urgent listing