In the wake of a recent disaster, a joint team of government and United Nations agencies conducted a comprehensive ‘post-disaster needs assessment’ in the subsistence-hit region of Joshimath, Uttarakhand. The resulting report has recommended a series of crucial measures to facilitate long-term recovery and safety in the area.
Key Highlights:
- The assessment, carried out from April 22 to 25, involved a 35-member team comprising professionals from the National Disaster Management Authority, UN agencies, Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other organizations.
- The study was initiated in response to major structural issues that emerged in the region earlier this year, primarily due to land subsidence. These issues prompted the relocation of 355 families.
- The report strongly emphasized the importance of proper documentation and compliance with building regulations for post-subsistence recovery. It recommended against providing financial assistance to households without valid land-ownership documents or buildings that were illegally encroached.
- A complete ban on new construction in the entire Joshimath area has been suggested until the conclusion of the upcoming monsoon season. Following a post-monsoon reassessment of ground conditions, there may be consideration for allowing new construction with prefab lightweight structures in comparatively safer areas.
- Retrofitting of old buildings has been proposed, along with permission for single-storey public buildings with prefab lightweight structures for critical emergency services only.
- It is crucial to officially inform the people of Joshimath about the unsafe zones in the town where new construction will not be permitted.
- The agencies involved in the assessment stressed the need to develop a prospective plan aimed at creating a safe and resilient region in Joshimath for the next 10 to 15 years.
- The region of Joshimath has been grappling with subsistence issues since the 1970s. Situated in seismic zone V, it is also prone to landslides and flash floods.
- A report dating back to 1978 had recommended against major construction work in the region, particularly in the Niti and Mana valleys, due to the unstable nature of the terrain, characterized by rocks, sediments, and soil deposited by glaciers.
In Summary:
The ‘post-disaster needs assessment’ in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, conducted by government and UN agencies, has called for a ban on new construction until the end of the upcoming monsoon season. The report emphasizes proper documentation and compliance with building regulations and recommends against providing financial assistance to households without valid land-ownership documents or illegally encroached buildings. The focus is on creating a safe and resilient region for the next 10 to 15 years in a region prone to subsistence issues, landslides, and flash floods.
