'Monsoon serious threat to residents of Joshimath'

DEHRADUN: Members of the Joshimath Sangarsh Samiti (JSS) have expressed serious concerns about the safety of people residing in areas affected by land subsidence during the monsoon season. They have demanded a comprehensive compensation package from the government and the fulfillment of promises made to the residents of Joshimath.

"After the issue came to light, people were relocated to government accommodations. Some locals were forcefully shifted as the authorities deemed their houses unsafe," said Atul Sati, chairman of JSS.

He highlighted that 278 families were moved after their houses were declared unsafe, but around 150 families have returned to their unsafe houses, and only eight or nine families are currently living in government-provided accommodations. He further said, "These people are living in unsafe buildings. Moreover, the government had agreed upon 11 points, but unfortunately, they have been ignored. The report on land subsidence has not been made public, and the locals have yet to receive full compensation." Sati said that several agencies have already completed their reports and submitted them, but they have not been made public.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach DM Chamoli Himanshu Khurana and Secretary of Disaster Management Ranjit K Sinha for their comments were unsuccessful.