Uttarakhand: NCMC Reviews Situation; Stops Construction Works In Joshimath

Reviewing situation in Joshimath, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) has stopped construction works in and around Joshimath Municipality area.

Taking stock of the prevailing situation, NCMC under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, took note of the relief measures being undertaken in the affected region.

Participating in the review meeting, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary briefed NCMC about the current situation and informed that residents of severely damaged houses are being shifted to safe places.

Relief shelters have been identified in Joshimath and Pipalkoti, to accommodate the affected families. Appropriate compensation and relief measures are being provided by the state government.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary further stated that operation of Joshimath-Auli ropeway has been discontinued. Construction works in and around Joshimath Municipality area have also been stopped till further orders.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) have been deployed to help the district administration in their relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Member secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) informed the committee that a team of experts from Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), GSI, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, NIDM and National Institute of Hydrology visited the affected areas on 6 and 7 January, 2023 to assess the situation.

The team also interacted with the district administration to understand their requirements. Union Home Secretary apprised the committee that a high-level central team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by the Secretary, Border Management is at Joshimath for assessment of the situation.

The Cabinet secretary stressed that the immediate priority should be complete and safe evacuation of all residents in the affected zone. Priority may be accorded to demolition of vulnerable structures in a safe manner.

All the studies and investigations, which is, geotechnical, geophysical and hydrological, should be completed in a coordinated and time bound manner.

The Cabinet Secretary assured the Chief Secretary that all central agencies will continue to be available for necessary assistance. The meeting was attended by senior officials of central and state governments, as well as, various related government departments.