Joshimath sank 5.4 cm in 12 days: ISRO

According to a new report by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accompanied by satellite images of the city, Uttrakhand’s Joshimath is sinking rapidly.

According to satellite images by ISRO, the city sank 5.4 cm in just 12 days from December 27 to January 8.

The report from the research organisation cites “a rapid subsidence event that was triggered on January 2, 2022” as a reason for the massive sinking, with experts opining that the entire city may end up sinking eventually.

While the sinking may have begun occurring in January of last year, the rate of the sinking was much lower in the prior months, according to the research organisation, with the city only sinking 9 cm from April to November.

“Slow subsidence up to 9 cm within the Joshimath town is recorded over a period of 7 months, between April and November 2022,” the organisation’s report read.

The town of Joshimath holds significance as a temple town due to its location as the gateway to many popular pilgrimages like Badrinath.

687 homes, as well as popularly frequented hotels and other establishments are said to be in danger as per the Uttarakhand government.

After two days of protests, the owners of the Hotel Malari Inn agreed to the demolition of the establishment. It is reported that the hotel had been dangerously tilting to the left since November.

After visiting Joshimath locals, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the affected families will be compensated.

“For now, ₹ 1.5 lakh will be given to each affected family. This is only a temporary measure. We are still working on compensation rates,” the Chief Minister stated.