UTTARAKHAND: CM Pushkar Dhami ot high level meeting on Friday ordered immediate evacuation of around 600 families from Uttarakhand’s “sinking town”, Joshimath informing that hewill be leading the evacuation. Dhami, is scheduled to pay a visit to the town and take stock of the preparations done.
A temple collapsed here on Friday evening, and several houses have developed huge cracks, alarming residents living under constant fear of a major disaster
Saving lives is our first priority. Officials have been asked to shift around 600 families living in endangered houses in Joshimath to safe locations,” Chief Minister Dhami said, adding that both immediate and long-term action plans should be prepared immediately.
Dhami has also underlined the establishment of a disaster control room which would posses adequtes deployment of both the state and national disaster response forces. Helicopter services will also be made available to help affected people.
All construction activities related to mega projects like the Chardham all-weather road (Helang- Marwari bypass) and the NTPC’s hydel project have been stopped till further orders on the demand of residents. The state government has said people whose houses are affected and have to vacate will get Rs 4,000 a month as rent for the next six months from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.