The Joshimath area in Chamoli district falls under Seismic Zone V. This region has experienced devastating quakes in the past considering which the authorities had set up an earthquake observatory here to monitor seismic activity. However, the room where this equipment is said to be installed is generally kept locked. The locals cannot get any information about seismic activity from this installation, raising doubts about the purpose of such an installation.
The Chamoli district was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale in 1999 killing at least 100 people, injuring hundreds, destroying 6,000 homes and causing damage to property worth crores of rupees. The people of Chamoli have not forgotten the devastation caused by the 1999 earthquake.
Years after that quake at present even mild tremors spread dread among the locals who remember their past experience. Considering the seismic vulnerability of this region, the Government of India had set up an earthquake observatory of the Indian Meteorological Department in the Tehsil area. However, the locals complain that the installation of the seismic equipment in town has not changed the situation faced by the common people in any way. The building where the equipment is installed is presently locked while there is no one here to provide any information to the locals related to the seismic observations from this facility.
local residents complain that they are not able to get any details about the seismic activity even after mild tremors experienced here. They question the purpose of establishing a facility which does not provide even basic information to the locals.