Joshimath Sinking: Can't Give Badrinath-Like Compensation, Says Govt As Locals Ask For Fair Deal

Secretary to the Uttarakhand CM said that residents and hotel owners in Joshimath cannot be given Badrinath-like compensation.

Locals protes asking fair compensation in Joshimath ( Image Source :ANI Twitter | PTI )

Joshimath Sinking: The Uttarakhand government has said that residents and hotel owners in Joshimath cannot be given Badrinath-like compensation for their properties.

Addressing the press after holding a meet with residents and district officials, the secretary to CM said that compensation will be given n according to the compensation that was given in Uttar Kashi.

"We requested people to support us in the dismantling of two hotels. Compensation will be given in according to the compensation that was given in Uttar Kashi. Badrinath-like compensation cannot be given here. Several teams of central govt have reached here," he said, reported ANI.

Locals and owner of hotel Malari Inn have been staging protests outside the hotel asking for fair compensation for their properties. Due to the continuous land sinking in Joshimath, buildings and hotels that pose danger to others are set to be demolished.

Speaking on the construction works in the area, the secretary to the CM said, "Roads are being made for people only. (Construction) works that will affect things here need to be stopped and it's not right to stop other projects which will not have an effect here."

Joshimath in Uttarakhand is experiencing serious soil subsidence issues, with 723 buildings reported major cracks, officials said on Wednesday. As a result, 462 people belonging to 131 families have been evacuated and relocated to relief centres, ANI reported Himanshu Khurana, District Magistrate, Chamoli as saying. In all, the town has a population of around 20,000.

"Cracks have appeared in 723 buildings. We are in touch with local representatives and asked them to bring it to our notice if new cracks appear. 131 families have been shifted to relief centres," Khurana said.

The demolition of two major hotels- Hotel Malari Inn and Mount View- which have been declared ‘unsafe’ by authorities, was stopped after a large number of people and traders gathered and shouted slogans outside the hotels demanding fair compensation from the government.