Joshimath Disaster Notes for UPSC CSE

The Joshimath disaster is a poignant reminder of the fragility of ecosystems in the Himalayan region and the long-term consequences of unchecked human activities. Situated in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, Joshimath is known for its religious, strategic, and tourism significance, yet it faces a looming crisis due to land subsidence and landslides. This disaster has raised crucial questions about disaster management, ecological balance, and sustainable development in regions prone to natural disasters.

Context: Prelims and Mains

For UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), the Joshimath disaster ties into various thematic areas under natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and landslides. It serves as a case study for topics related to land subsidence and disaster management strategies in both Prelims and Mains, specifically concerning ecological degradation, human-induced activities, and environmental conservation efforts.

Joshimath: A Geographical and Strategic Overview

Joshimath is located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-7) in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It sits at an altitude of approximately 6,150 feet and acts as a key transit point for tourists and pilgrims visiting Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and the Valley of Flowers. It is also home to one of the four cardinal monasteries established by Adi Shankara and is of strategic importance to the Indian armed forces due to the proximity of its cantonment.

However, Joshimath is situated in Seismic Zone V, the highest risk zone for earthquakes. The town is also built on an ancient landslide zone, making it highly vulnerable to land subsidence and other geological hazards. The streams from the confluence of the Dhauliganga and Alaknanda rivers (Vishnuprayag) further exacerbate this situation due to continuous erosion of the subsoil.

Why is Joshimath Sinking?

Background of Land Subsidence

Cracks in buildings and roads in Joshimath were first reported in 2021, although concerns about the area’s vulnerability to landslides date back much earlier. The situation escalated in 2022 when an expert panel commissioned by the Uttarakhand government found that several parts of the town were "sinking." The phenomenon of land subsidence, a gradual or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface, had been triggered by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The damage spread across almost all wards of the city, with cracks appearing in houses and on roads.

Historical Insights: The 1976 Mishra Committee Report

In 1976, the Mishra Committee highlighted the precarious location of Joshimath, stating that it was situated on the debris of an ancient landslide rather than on solid rock. The report pointed out that the town was prone to further destabilization due to river erosion from the Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers. It recommended restrictions on heavy construction, blasting for road repairs, and tree felling. Unfortunately, these recommendations were largely ignored over the following decades, leading to the town's current situation.

Key Factors Contributing to the Crisis

1. Geology: Joshimath’s geological foundation consists of scattered rocks covered by ancient landslide debris, including gneissic rocks and loose soil. These materials have a low bearing capacity and are prone to weathering and erosion. The rocks are also highly porous, and their stability is further reduced when saturated with water, particularly during the monsoon season.

2. Construction and Infrastructure Development: Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in construction activities in and around Joshimath. Projects like the Char Dham road expansion, hydroelectric power projects, and unregulated urban expansion have made the slopes even more unstable. Blasting for road widening and tunneling for hydropower projects has accelerated the rate of subsidence and landslides in the region.

3. Hydroelectric Projects: The construction of the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydropower plant has been particularly controversial. Experts argue that the tunneling work for the project, which passes directly beneath Joshimath, has weakened the subsurface material and caused large-scale cracks in the town’s infrastructure.

4. Land Erosion: The Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers contribute significantly to land erosion. The steep gradient of streams running through Vishnuprayag increases the erosional capacity, leading to the further destabilization of the land.

5. Poor Drainage Systems: Joshimath suffers from inadequate drainage and waste management systems. Improper drainage allows water to seep into the soil, further loosening it from within and reducing the strength of the subsurface materials. This has exacerbated land subsidence, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Impacts of the Disaster

The subsidence crisis in Joshimath has led to significant social, economic, and environmental disruptions:

• Displacement of Residents: As of early 2023, more than 60 families had to be evacuated, and over 3,000 people were affected. With nearly 561 houses developing visible cracks, many people have been forced to leave their homes and move into temporary relief shelters.

• Tourism and Religious Significance: The sinking of Joshimath threatens the tourism industry, which is the town’s main economic lifeline. With cracks developing in important tourist infrastructure, the flow of pilgrims and tourists to destinations like Badrinath and Auli has been severely affected.

• Strategic Concerns: The instability of Joshimath poses a risk to the Indian armed forces stationed there. If the town continues to sink, it could compromise military readiness in the area.

• Environmental Degradation: The landslides and land subsidence have triggered widespread environmental degradation. Soil erosion has intensified, vegetation has been destroyed, and water sources have become contaminated, affecting the local ecosystem.

What Can Be Done to Save Joshimath?

Given the scale of the disaster, several immediate and long-term measures have been proposed by experts:

1. Immediate Evacuation and Relief

• Relocation of Residents: The priority must be the safe evacuation of residents from affected areas to prevent loss of life. Temporary shelters need to be set up, and provisions for food, water, healthcare, and sanitation must be made available.

• Compensation and Rehabilitation: The government should ensure adequate compensation for the displaced population. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including resettlement in safer areas, needs to be developed.

2. Shutting Down Development Projects

• Halt on Construction Activities: Experts recommend a complete cessation of construction, road widening, and hydropower projects in the region. This will prevent further destabilization of the slopes and reduce the risk of more landslides.

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): All future infrastructure projects in Joshimath and surrounding regions must be subject to stringent EIAs. Projects that fail to meet sustainability criteria should be scrapped.

3. Reimagining Urban Planning

• Improved Drainage Systems: A comprehensive drainage plan needs to be developed and implemented to address the seepage of water into the soil. The plan should include modern sewerage systems, better waste management, and measures to prevent waterlogging.

• Reforestation and Afforestation: Tree felling should be strictly prohibited, and reforestation efforts should be initiated to stabilize the soil in vulnerable areas. Planting native trees with deep roots can help to strengthen the soil’s structure and prevent further erosion.

• Controlled Urban Expansion: Joshimath's future development should be guided by principles of sustainable urban planning. Zoning laws must be enacted to prevent construction in ecologically sensitive areas.

4. Monitoring and Forecasting

• Landslide Monitoring Systems: The state government, in collaboration with scientific institutions, needs to install early warning systems to monitor landslides and other geohazards. Doppler weather radars, satellites, and other technologies can help predict adverse weather conditions that might exacerbate land subsidence.

• Geological Surveys: Continuous geological assessments of the town and its surroundings are essential. These surveys can help authorities understand the extent of subsidence and plan accordingly.

Disaster Management and Policy Recommendations

The Joshimath disaster also raises broader questions about India’s approach to disaster management, particularly in ecologically fragile areas like the Himalayas. The following are key lessons and recommendations that can be integrated into India’s disaster management framework:

1. Strengthening Legal and Policy Frameworks

• National Landslide Risk Management Strategy: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has developed the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy, which includes hazard mapping, community awareness programs, and capacity building. The strategy must be implemented effectively in states like Uttarakhand, where the risk of landslides is high.

• Land Use Planning Regulations: States must enforce land-use planning regulations, especially in eco-sensitive zones. The construction of large infrastructure projects should be tightly controlled, and buffer zones must be created around high-risk areas.

2. Community Participation

• Awareness Campaigns: Local communities need to be made aware of the risks associated with land subsidence and landslides. Training programs and workshops on disaster preparedness, evacuation drills, and first aid can help build resilience at the grassroots level.

• Citizen Feedback Mechanisms: Disaster management plans should incorporate feedback from local residents, who have a deep understanding of the area’s ecology and vulnerabilities.

3. Role of Technology in Disaster Management

• Geospatial Mapping: Geospatial technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to map high-risk areas and identify locations for safe resettlement. GIS can also help monitor changes in land use, soil composition, and vegetation cover.

• Remote Sensing: Remote sensing technology can be employed to monitor land subsidence in real-time. This data can be used to issue early warnings and mitigate risks before disasters strike.

• Drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones can be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas and gather data on land subsidence and landslides. This data can be used to create detailed maps and assess the damage caused by disasters.

Conclusion

The Joshimath disaster underscores the urgent need for sustainable development practices in disaster-prone regions. With its unique geographical and strategic importance, Joshimath serves as a critical case study in balancing development with ecological preservation. Disaster management policies must be forward-looking, focusing on risk reduction, community resilience, and the integration of technology to avert future calamities. Ultimately, the lessons learned from Joshimath should guide national and state-level efforts in preparing for and mitigating the risks posed by natural disasters in the Himalayas and beyond.