Jyotirmath: Following the land-subsidence disaster in January 2023, Jyotirmath in Chamoli district now faces another potential calamity. In recent days, a landslide zone has become active below the town, causing alarm among residents.
As per the locals, this active landslide zone is triggering rapid landslides towards Vishnuprayag, which is nearby. These continuous landslides are destabilizing the town further, adding to the troubles caused by the earlier land-subsidence disaster. If the situation persists, it could create new challenges for Jyotirmath.
New landslide zones are emerging
Continuous landslides have been occurring above the Dhauli Ganga in Vishnuprayag over the past two to three days, particularly below Jyotirmath. While a significant landslide occurred here during the Raini disaster of 2021, the current situation has intensified due to the rainy season. Debris is continuously falling into the river, and new landslide zones are emerging.
The Raini disaster in February 2021 was a tragic event in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, involving a massive glacial lake outburst flood that triggered devastating landslides and debris flows. Vishnuprayag, located nearby, was significantly affected by these events.
Danger is looming large over the town
Landslides have recently started near Vishnuprayag, posing a potential threat to the city. SDM Jyotirmath, Chandrashekhar Vashishth, reports that heavy rains over the past three to four days have triggered landslides along the riverbank. He said, “The landslide that occurred over the Dhauli Ganga during the 2021 Raini disaster has become active again. The government has proposed protective measures for the city, and the process is currently at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, with work expected to commence soon.”
People have been struggling for safety measures
A resident of Jyotirmath mentioned, “Ravigram, a part of Jyotirmath, is situated just above the landslide area. If the landslides continue, Ravigram and many other surrounding areas could be in danger. Since the land-subsidence disaster in the town, people have been struggling for safety measures, but no compensation or rehabilitation work have been done so far.”
Several areas of Jyotirmath are “sinking” due to both man-made and natural factors
Cracks in walls and buildings were first reported in 2021, as Chamoli district in Uttarakhand faced frequent landslides and flooding. According to reports, an expert panel from the Uttarakhand government found in 2022 that several areas of Jyotirmath are “sinking” due to both man-made and natural factors. This gradual settling or sudden sinking of the earth’s surface, caused by the removal or displacement of subsurface materials, has led to structural defects and damage in nearly all wards of the city.