Uttarakhand CM confirms Centre’s approval of massive disaster relief fund for long-term rehabilitation, drainage, and slope stabilization in Joshimath after 2023 land subsidence crisis.
Dehradun, May 4: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced that the Central Government has approved a ₹1,700 crore disaster relief package for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Joshimath, a town severely impacted by land subsidence since early 2023.
“We will rebuild Joshimath. I thank the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for approving ₹1,700 crore for critical infrastructure, sewerage, and reconstruction works,” Dhami told reporters in Dehradun.
Relief Begins: ₹292 Crore Released as First Installment
The CM confirmed that ₹292 crore has already been released, marking the beginning of large-scale reconstruction work aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring safety for residents.
Joshimath, a key gateway to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, witnessed cracks in over 20% of homes and infrastructure last year, triggering mass evacuations and a nationwide discussion on the perils of unplanned urbanization in fragile hill zones.
Joshimath: From Crisis to Recovery
The crisis began in January 2023, when visible cracks appeared in buildings, roads, and temples. The cause was attributed to unregulated construction, tunneling projects, and geological fragility.
In response, CM Dhami mobilized an expert-driven intervention.
A 35-member interdisciplinary team, including agencies like NDMA, IIT Roorkee, UNDP, CBRI, and the Wadia Institute, conducted a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in April 2023.
Their report led to the formation of a High-Level Committee (HLC), which proposed a multi-sectoral plan for land stabilization, civic infrastructure restoration, and risk reduction.
Phase 1 Projects: Focus on Stability and Basic Services
According to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA), the first phase of recovery will include:
- Toe protection work along the Alaknanda river
- Slope stabilization projects
- Rebuilding drainage and sewerage networks
- Demolition and reconstruction of structurally unsafe homes
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have already been submitted to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“These works are vital to secure Joshimath’s terrain and create safe conditions for rebuilding homes and civic infrastructure,” read an official statement.
A Model for Mountain Resilience?
Officials say the efforts in Joshimath could become a blueprint for managing environmental disasters in other vulnerable Himalayan towns, combining scientific planning, disaster risk reduction, and community rehabilitation.
CM Dhami assured that the funds will be used transparently and strategically to rebuild not just structures, but trust and livelihoods in the region.