Joshimath: The city that’s slowly sinking?

The recent landslide in Joshimath had led everyone to worry

The recent landslide in Joshimath had led everyone to worry

Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is a city in the Chamoli district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located 6150 feet above sea level. The place is famous for one of the four sacred peethas that Adi Guru Shri Shankaracharya constructed during the eighth century. In addition, it is the hub for skiing and hiking. For Hindu devotees, it is one of the main pilgrimage destinations.

One of the best times to see the snow-capped mountains is from December to February.

This location’s history is equally vibrant. Thus, between the 7th and 11th centuries, the Katyuri Kings ruled Joshimath. The capital of the Katyuri Kings was Katyuri, which is today known as Baijnath Valley in Kumaon. They used to pursue Buddhism but eventually switched to Hinduism, identifying as Brahmins and continuing the same tradition.

Thus, after a recent incident, it shook the whole of India. After a temple fell and cracks formed in more than 600 homes due to soil sinking, authorities in Joshimath town in Uttarakhand stopped building work and began relocating hundreds of residents to temporary shelters.

Additionally, road cracks that prevented car movement were seen on television.

Travelers stop here for the night before continuing to religious and hiking locations including Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, Auli, and the Valley of Flowers. The Indian Army considers it to be strategically important as well. Towards this purpose, the hill town has experienced a dramatic increase in population and development activity during the past few decades. Thus, this has become a reason for the sinking.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, has mandated the immediate removal of 600 residents from the area to encounter the circumstances. CM Dhami interacted with people of all ages, including young children and elderly individuals, to learn about their issues immediately.

When an earthquake happens, both people and property will sustain significant damage. Based on a government assessment, landslides have destroyed 561 residential buildings, including two sizable hotels here. The government estimate of the damage is larger than the projected real damage, though. Thus, the recent landslide also worried the people into thinking of the city as sinking.

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