Demolition halted as locals protest for compensation

Authorities at Joshimath began the demolition work on Tuesday in the holy town, which developed cracks in the wake of the landslide and subsidence. However, the demolition had to be stopped due to protest of the locals who are demanding compensation. 

Cracks have been noticed in 678 buildings in the Joshimath town area. Hotel Malari Inn and Hotel Mount View are also declared unsafe and they were scheduled to be demolished on Tuesday. 

“The hotels and houses affected by the landslide and subsidence have been identified. Buildings in the unsafe zone have been vacated and civilians are also being shifted from the buffer zone in its vicinity. Scientists from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee have been called in to demolish these buildings. Keeping all the aspects in mind, these buildings will be demolished,” said Himanshu Khurana, Chamoli District Magistrate. 

“They will be demolished in a scientific manner,” the DM added. The experts have also decided to demolish Hotel Malari Inn and Hotel Mount View after they were declared unsafe. Manikant Mishra, SDRF Commandant said that of the two hotels, Malari Inn will be demolished in a ostepwise manner today. 

“Of the two hotels, Malari Inn will be demolished in a step-wise manner today. First of all, the top portion will be demolished. It is being done because both the hotels have tilted and have come very close to each other due to the sinking,” said Mishra. 

He further said that their demolition is essential because there are several houses and hotels around, if these two sink any further they can collapse. “So, experts decided to demolish them. CBRI experts are coming, they conducted a survey yesterday and now they will give more technical info on the same,” he added. The demolition of buildings began under the supervision of a team of experts from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee. 

A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on standby to assist the district administration in the demolition work, as and when required. “Experts are on the ground and the administration will take action on their directions and advice,” said the NDRF. 

The areas where the buildings will be demolished have been vacated by the administration after they were declared ‘unsafe zones’. The officials of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also called on Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at his residence on Monday and discussed relief and rescue operations. Meanwhile, National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba reviewed the situation in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath on Tuesday.