Joshimath crisis: Renewed efforts to get locals to allow demolition

Locals protest against National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Tapovan Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project seeking their withdrawal from the state due to land subsidence, in Chamoli on Tuesday. Pic/ANI

Renewed efforts were made by the administration on Wednesday to persuade hoteliers and locals refusing to allow the demolition of two precariously standing hotels in subsidence-hit Joshimath in Uttarakhand. A fresh round of talks was held between Secretary to the Chief Minister, Meenakshi Sundaram and the protesters who have been demanding compensation on the lines of Badrinath before the demolition exercise is undertaken.

Hotels ‘Malari Inn' and ‘Mount View' are leaning towards each other dangerously, posing a threat to the human settlements around the structures. The Uttarakhand government had directed the razing of unstable structures on Monday, starting with these two buildings. Talking to reporters, the senior official clarified that only two hotels in Joshimath have to be dismantled and not the houses demarcated as unfit for living.

Also Read: Joshimath: Owner of damaged hotel and kin sit in protest, demand compensation

"I want to clarify one thing. Only two hotels are to be dismantled. Demolition, though being used widely, is not the precise word in this context. Houses in the danger zone are not going to be demolished. The red cross marks put on them are only to have them vacated," Sundaram, who is also the nodal officer for the land subsidence-hit town, said. He, however, did not give a definite timeline on the beginning of the demolition exercise, but said his interaction with the protesting locals was positive and the matter will be resolved soon.

The chief secretary also announced that Rs 1.5 lakh is being given as interim assistance to the affected families. Out of this amount, Rs 50,000 is being provided in advance for house shifting and Rs 1 lakh for disaster relief which will be adjusted later, he said. Those who want to shift to a rented accommodation will be given R4,000 per month for six months, he said.

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