Joshimath town experienced slow subsidence of up to 9 cm over a seven-month period between April and November 2022 as per satellite-based report. According to the National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, several reports in recent days have highlighted the subsidence in Joshimath.

Cracks have appeared in approximately 700 homes as a result of landslide-related creep. According to the NRSC, the roads, as well as the hotels and hospitals, have developed cracks.

According to ISRO, “Slow subsidence up to 9 cm within the Joshimath town is recorded over a period of 7 months, between April and November 2022. A rapid subsidence event occurred between December 27, 2022, and January 8, 2023.” Within a few days, the region subsided by about 5 cm, and the area of subsidence has also increased. However, it is limited to the central part of Joshimath, according to India’s space agency.

A subsidence zone resembling a typical landslide shape was discovered (tapered top and fanning out at base). According to an ISRO report, the subsidence’s crown is located near the Joshimath-Auli road at a height of 2,180 metres. ISRO acquired new Cartosat-2S satellite data, which was correlated with the identified subsidence zone.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Thursday that the Prime Minister is personally concerned about the land subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. He also stated that Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is constantly working to bring the situation under control.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday to inquire about the situation in Joshimath. According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the Home Minister promised the Uttarakhand government all possible assistance for Joshimath.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presided over a meeting with all stakeholders on the Joshimath land subsidence issue on Thursday. During the meeting, the chief minister interacted with the Army, ITBP, NDRF, and scientists from various establishments involved in landslide investigation, district administration, police, and district-level officers associated with essential services at Sunil ITBP camp.

The CM stated that the safety of the citizens is our primary responsibility. According to a release from the chief minister’s office, he instructed everyone to make all necessary arrangements for the people’s safety. The Chief Minister also spoke with scientists from various establishments involved in the investigation of landslides and inquired about ongoing studies and research into the causes of landslides in Joshimath. During the meeting, scientists briefed the chief minister on the progress of the investigation.

“I met with everyone and assured them that the state administration is with the people of Joshimath. “We will help everyone,” CM Pushkar Dhami said after the meeting. He stated that it is our priority to pave the way forward for those affected while protecting their lives and property, according to an official statement.

Later, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with local public representatives and prominent citizens. In times of disaster, he asked everyone to collaborate with the administration. The CM stated that 1.50 lakhs are being provided immediately as interim assistance to all those whose homes, shops, and businesses have been affected.