New Delhi: Demolitions of precariously standing structures begin in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath even as protest against the BJP state government intensifies. Mallari Inn and Mount View are the first of hotelsto to be pulled down. Though the demolition process began Thursday, it was stalled due to bad weather.
As public protest gained momentum, the State government was forced to announce relief package. A total of Rs 45 crores will be given away to 3000 families, the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhani announced. What the compensation for each of the razed buildings would be, is a blurred area.
169 Families Left Their Homes Behind
169 families comprising 589 people were relocated. The locals reject the idea of settling anywhere outside of Joshimath. Having lived in the mountains all life, they refuse to be moved over to the plains.
Cracks in Army Camp Building Too
The Army camp buildings in Joshimath too has cracks from landlslides. A total of 28 buildings were found bearing cracks. The soldiers have been shifted to buildings without cracks. They will be moved to the nearby Auli camp if necessary. The Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey confirmed the demolitions at camp in a press conference ahead of Army Day.
The Inida-China border roads too have developed cracks. The Border Roads Organisation is carrying out repairs. The movement of troops will not be hindered, authorities confirmed. There are alternative roads for troop movement. Meanwhile, the Army has set up a camp for the evacuee families.
The Army camp of Joshimath is of strategic importance due to its nearness to China border. The camp is centric to Army activity and troop movements. The Joshimath - Malari road which has cracks is depended on for the Army to move towards border.
The nearby Auli camp, where the Indian Army recently conducted war drills with the US Army, is only 6 kilometers away from Joshimath. And Barahoti, where Chinese army frequently makes incursions is less than 50 km from here.
