Joshimath Sinking: PMO Takes Stock Of Situation, Central Agencies In Action To Assist State Govt

The Prime Minister's Office took a stock of the Joshimath situation. PM Modi's principal secretary PK Mishra has said that central agencies and experts are assisting Uttarakhand with the situation

New Delhi: The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Sunday informed that Central government agencies and experts are assisting Uttarakhand government to handle the sunsidence situation in Joshimath while keeping the safety of people as their first priority. A high-level review meeting was held post which this statement was issued by the PMO. Uttarakhand's chief secretary briefed the PMO about the ground situation during the meeting.

The statement mentioned that the families that have been affected are being shifted to safe locations, while also adding that PM Modi himself has taken stock of the situation with Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Central government agencies and experts are assisting Uttarakhand to prepare short, medium and long-term plans to deal with the Joshimath situation

One contingent of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and four from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have already reached Joshimath.

Prime Minister's principal secretary PK Mishra held the meeting, he emphasised that the immediate priority should be the safety of the people living in the affected areas. He also said that the state government must establish a clear and continuous communication channel with the residents.  

NDMA Visit To Uttarakhand Today

The Border Management secretary and members of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will visit Uttarakhand on Monday to assess the ground reality of the situation. After one assessment by the district officials, it was concluded that a strip of land with a width of around 350 meters was affected.

The PMO also said that experts from NDMA, National Institute of Disaster Management, the Geological Survey of India, IIT Roorkee, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, National Institute of Hydrology, and Central Building Research Institute will analyse the situation, and give their recommendations. They will work with the state government in the spirit of 'Whole of government.'

Mishra said that a clear time-bound reconstruction plan must be designed and regular seismic monitoring must be done while also adding that a risk-sensitive urban development plan should also be developed.

CM Dhami has stressed that Joshimath is one of the most important places for culture, religion, and tourism. It is the gateway to famous pilgrimage sites like Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib with international skiing destination Auli and all efforts will be made to save it.

(With inputs from PTI)