The Joshimath crisis has shone a spotlight on the issue of land subsidence, or land subsidence, and the threats to ecologically fragile regions like the Himalayas with excessive construction activities.
So far 185 families have been evacuated from ‘sinking’ Joshimath and hundreds of buildings have developed dangerous cracks. Satellite images released by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) revealed that Joshimath sank at a rapid rate of 5.4 cm in just 12 days due to a possible subsidence event on 2 January.
While the city in Uttarakhand is struggling to deal with the crisis, similar crackdowns have been reported in other towns and areas, prompting concern and the need for swift action.
Here are some of the areas where there is a possibility of a Joshimath-like crisis:
Karnaprayag
Residents of this town, located just 85 km from Joshimath, have reported widening of cracks in the last few days. According to sources, around 50 houses have developed cracks and eviction notices have been given to eight houses with severe damage.
Residents allege that the cracks have been there for more than a year, but only now has the administration paid attention to it. Residents reportedly attributed the cracks to the construction of an all-weather road.
According to one, the cracks first started appearing ten years ago Indian Express Report good. Reports said that people who were evicted and could not find any alternative accommodation for themselves are spending the nights in the city council’s shelter.
Baghpat
Cracks developed in some houses in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat, triggering fear among residents, it was reported on Thursday. According to the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Baghpat, four to five houses have developed cracks in Thakurdwara area of the district. The official further said that the administration is looking into the matter and will soon find the cause and solution of the problem.
Meanwhile, other reports suggest that cracks have appeared in about 25 houses in the area, some more severe than others. According to a report in Amar Ujala, the local people of the area blamed the leakage from the water pipeline after the underground gas pipeline was laid for the soil subsidence, which led to cracks in the walls.
Aligarh
Cracks have suddenly appeared in some houses in Kanwariganj area of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Local residents complained that a pipeline laid by the government under the smart city plan has now reportedly started leaking, causing cracks.
“For the past several days, some of our houses have developed cracks, forcing us to live in panic. We have also complained about this but the municipal officials are not taking any concrete action and are only giving assurances. We are afraid that houses may collapse,” Shashi, a local resident, was quoted as saying by ANI on Wednesday.
Darjeeling
According to a report in IANS, the hills of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong in North Bengal are prone to landslides like Joshimath. Reports suggest that unbridled real estate development can often violate the permitted height limit of any construction in the hills.
Recently, in Darjeeling city alone, 132 illegal constructions have been identified by the Darjeeling Municipality, where the height restriction of 11.5 meters has been violated.
Rajasthan Rajasthan
What Joshimath is witnessing today will be seen somewhere in Rajasthan after 25 years if the current menace of illegal mining remains unchecked, veteran environmentalists said, warning of a “disaster that is beyond expectation”, according to IANS.
He said, ‘There are many hills which have disappeared in the state. Congress MLA Bharat Singh told IANS, “In fact, in the plains on the other hand, locals have made hills by dumping garbage.” The story of Joshimath will be repeated in Rajasthan as well. when the situation gets out of control,” he said.
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