'200 to 350 families likely to be shifted from Joshimath'

DEHRADUN: A central government team which conducted a four-day Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) study in subsidence-hit Joshimath has concluded that some areas have become inhabitable and 200-350 families will have to relocate permanently.
Sources told TOI that the affected families might have to permanently move out of their homes and resettle at some other safe places, either identified by the government or of their own choice.
"It is certain that the families whose houses have developed major cracks and are located in the identified danger zones will have to be rehabilitated out of Joshimath," an official privy to the development told TOI. The study team comprised experts even from certain bodies affiliated to the United Nations, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and various other central government agencies.
Kamal Raturi of Joshimath Bachao Sangarsh Samiti, who had also met the NDMA team, said, "We are aware that the areas classified as danger zones will have to be completely evacuated. The NDMA team members also subscribe to this view, and they said that areas witnessing subsidence need constant monitoring."
According to the Chamoli district administration, a total of 290 families had to be shifted out of their houses to government-run shelters after the tragedy unfolded in January this year. Over 100 families are still living in these shelters while the rest have either shifted to rented accommodation or have gone to stay at their relatives' places.
As many as 868 houses in Joshimath have developed cracks, and 181 residential and commercial structures were classified under dangerous category by the district administration.
The 15-member study team extensively interacted with locals and is expected to submit its report in a few days to the Union government on issues such as rehabilitation, resettlement and post-disaster recovery.