Thread by @vimlendu

JOSHIMATH SINKING THREAD:
All the coverage on Joshimath will show you visuals of haphazard construction n tilted homes with cracks, n also build a narrative that it is the main reason for the disaster. That’s half the truth and a coverup exercise, to protect the main CULPRIT. ++

No doubt there is unplanned and haphazard construction in the region, and it does impose a ‘heavy’ load on the area, beyond the carrying capacity of the terrain. Ideally, any development and urbanization strategy should consider acceptable levels of risk. #joshimath ++

Main CULPRIT is the devt model pursued in Uttarakhand, in fact in entire Himalayan region, starting from Dharamshala to Arunachal, the large-scale infrastructure projects posing threat to fragile Himalayan ecosystem. #JoshimathIsSinking ++

There are more than 66 tunnels being constructed in various parts of Uttarakhand, and also the dams, that are shaking up the entire state for decades, despite ALL the EXPERTS warning against them. Nonstop digging and blasting underground has created a havoc. #Joshimathcrisis ++

Char Dham road project is a disaster, with nonstop landslides,cutting down thousands of trees,changing the course of perennial and seasonal rivers and streams,damaging the aquifers,a complete mindless design,made for ‘FAST’ and ‘CONVENIENT’ mobility of tourists and armed forces.+

Tapovan Vishnugad hydro project tunnel passes under the Joshimath town and many experts believe and rightly so, that it is one of the MAIN causes of Joshimath sinking, with boring and blasting underground, disturbing the water bearing strata and making the ground hollow. ++

Another govt sponsored disastrous project is the rail project that will cross cross the Himalayas, with 70% of the project goes through tunnels,construction in high seismic zone is a high risk and dangerous, causing more landslides, and also irreversible damage to ground water.++

Increased anthropogenic activities like large scale road construction has led to landslides, and also increased the impact due to cloud bursts and other climate change triggered events. #Joshimath ++

Most shocking is that for over 5 decades, experts have warned the govt, to slow down, to not draw the map of Himalayas the same way as you do of Delhi or plains, be sensitive. But no one gave a damn. #Uttarakhand ++

This is not the last Joshimath, resilience of Himalayas can’t be tested further, many Himalayan towns and villages will sink in coming years. Govt is the biggest violator, giving priority to economic interests, and awarding hydroelectric projects to private companies. ++

Grow for your need, not for your greed, or you shall SINK! #Joshimath #JoshimathIsSinking