Joshimath

Joshimath, a historically significant and strategically important town in Uttarakhand, has been the subject of studies by eight of India’s leading scientific institutions. These studies have revealed startling findings regarding the future of this town, which has faced increasing land subsidence issues since early 2023.

Here is an overview of their discoveries and recommendations.

Background

In January 2023, Joshimath garnered nationwide attention when widespread land subsidence resulted in severe cracks in hundreds of buildings. The situation worsened with water gushing out from underground in areas like JP Colony. This led to the evacuation of many residents and created significant media buzz. While government attention briefly focused on the town, long-term challenges persisted, forcing many to abandon their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

The situation prompted the Uttarakhand government to commission detailed reports from various scientific institutions to identify the causes of land subsidence and explore potential solutions. The findings, released in September 2023, offer insights not only for Joshimath but also for other Himalayan towns like Nainital and Karanprayag, which face similar risks.

Key Findings from Scientific Institutions

1. Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (Dehradun)

• Major Observations: A new landslide zone has developed in the Manohar Bagh area, with depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters.
• Technology Used: High-resolution LiDAR mapping was conducted, identifying vulnerable zones and aiding in town planning.
• Recommendations:
  • Improve drainage systems to prevent waterlogging.
  • Install sewage treatment plants across the city.
  • Monitor seismic activity with the 11 seismic stations already set up in Joshimath.

2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

• Findings: 50% of Joshimath’s land is classified as sensitive.
• Land Assessment: Areas like Lower Bazar, Manohar Bagh, and JP Colony showed weak soil strength with load-bearing capacities below safe limits (less than 8 tons/sq. meter).
• Key Issues:
  • Loose soil structure comprising boulders and gravel.
  • Rainwater infiltration and inadequate drainage exacerbating instability.
• Recommendations: Develop construction guidelines based on land strength and risk assessments.

3. National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad

• Key Findings: 30% of the land is at high risk, with subsidence extending 20-30 meters underground.
• Geophysical Movements: North-facing slopes and boulders are shifting in tandem, causing structural instability.
• Recent Developments: Between December 2022 and January 2023, certain areas shifted by over 6 cm.

4. Geological Survey of India (GSI)

• Historical Context: Joshimath is built on ancient landslide debris, including loose sediments and large boulders.
• Current Situation: 81 cracks were identified across the town, with 42 new cracks appearing after January 2023.
• Temple Findings: The Narasimha Temple area remains stable, with no significant impact from recent subsidence.

5. Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee

• Building Safety: Out of 2,364 buildings studied:
  • 37% were deemed habitable.
  • 20% were unsafe.
  • 1% were recommended for demolition.
• Issues: Non-compliance with construction standards, particularly in sloped areas.

6. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradun

• Satellite Observations: Joshimath’s land has been moving at an accelerated pace, with the highest recorded displacement of 9.5 mm/day during December 2022.
• Insights: The subsidence rate decreased after January 2023, providing some relief.

7. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

• Water Issues: Groundwater levels in Singh Dhar decreased by 20-60 cm daily, contributing to land instability.
• Recommendations:
  • Prohibit construction around natural water sources.
  • Implement retention walls and drainage systems.

8. National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee

• Flood Impact: Traced the 2023 disaster to hydrostatic pressure from 10.66 million liters of water trapped since the 2021 Uttarakhand floods.
• Observations: Improper water flow pathways have led to internal erosion of the mountain.

Broader Implications

The findings highlight similar vulnerabilities in other Himalayan towns. Key suggestions for sustainable urban development include:

• Implementing strict construction guidelines.
• Developing early warning systems.
• Controlling unregulated urbanization.
• Ensuring effective water management.

NTPC’s Vishnugad Hydropower Project

The study found no direct link between the NTPC hydropower tunnel and land subsidence in Joshimath, although construction was halted temporarily in January 2023.

Conclusion

The reports underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the risk of land subsidence in Joshimath and other Himalayan towns. Immediate actions, including improved drainage, controlled construction, and disaster preparedness, are essential to ensure the region’s long-term sustainability.