Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday announced that the Central Government has approved a ₹1,700 crore disaster relief package to rehabilitate and rebuild the sinking Himalayan town of Joshimath, which has been reeling under the impact of severe land subsidence since early 2023. The announcement marks a major step in long-term efforts to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of thousands of residents affected by the geological crisis.
Speaking to reporters, CM Dhami confirmed that the first installment of ₹292 crore from the relief package has been released. “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister for their timely and generous support. This fund will be crucial in taking forward major reconstruction and preventive projects,” he stated.
Joshimath, a prominent gateway for pilgrims en route to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, came under the national spotlight in January 2023 when massive cracks began appearing in homes, roads, and public infrastructure due to land sinking. By February 2023, nearly 20–22% of the town’s structures had been affected, prompting large-scale evacuations and the declaration of disaster zones by the state government.
The calamity spurred swift administrative and scientific responses, with multiple central and state agencies conducting on-ground assessments. “A comprehensive survey report was prepared by expert teams from institutions like NDMA, IIT Roorkee, UNDP, CBRI, and Wadia Institute, among others. The findings led to a formal appeal for central assistance, and today we see a positive outcome,” Dhami added.
According to an official release, a 35-member expert team visited Joshimath in April 2023 to conduct a Post-Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA). The survey covered critical sectors such as housing and rehabilitation, education, health, civic amenities including water and sanitation, and local infrastructure like roads and bridges. Based on the assessment, a High-Level Committee (HLC) approved financial support for targeted recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The relief package includes plans to stabilize the region’s fragile terrain and revamp essential infrastructure. In the first phase, the state will launch key projects focusing on:
- Toe protection works along the Alaknanda River to reduce erosion
- Slope stabilization to prevent further ground movement
- Improvements in drainage and sewerage systems to mitigate waterlogging and subsidence
- Demolition of unsafe structures and reconstruction of damaged homes and public buildings
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has already submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for final approvals. The proposals were also presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which sanctioned the financial aid as part of a coordinated national response.
Officials emphasized that the implementation of these projects would not only address the current crisis but also lay the groundwork for a safer, more resilient Joshimath in the future. “Our focus is on sustainable rehabilitation. These funds will be utilized judiciously to restore public confidence, support displaced families, and provide stable ground for rebuilding,” CM Dhami asserted.
Experts continue to warn that Joshimath’s vulnerability stems from a combination of factors, including unregulated construction, tunneling, poor drainage, and its location on a slope of landslide debris. The newly approved relief package is seen as a significant opportunity to adopt science-led planning and prevent similar disasters in other Himalayan towns.