The GSI team has given the report after inspecting Varunavrat mountain to the district administration. It has suggested some immediate ways to stop the landslide on the Tambakhani area of the mountain. The administration has asked PWD to assess the situation. For the long-term project on Varunavrat, a committee would be set up.
A team of GSI, THDC and a private company inspected Varunavrat for two days. Senior scientists of GSI, A P Thapliyal said that at present there is no danger to the population but the timely treatment is necessary. The report has suggested immediate measures to treat the landslide which include removal of loose debris, applying of cement, putting a net in tambakhani suite and removing water coming from top through pipes. The experts feel that leaving Tambakhani portion during treatment and making water exit from the top had spawned the problem.
The landslide in Tambakhani area of Varunavrat Parvat had triggered panic among the people in Uttarakashi during the recent rains. The landslide on top of the mountain had started first on September 24 2003, forcing 365 families to move to safer places on 30 September 2003. The landslide continued till November that year. The Rs 250 crore project was approved in October that year. Around 200 houses were damaged during the landslides. In January 2004 the treatment had started which continued till 2009. But in 2010, the department engaged in treatment left the work unfinished. In 2014, the tunnel in Tambakhani was completed. Now in July 2015, the mountain over the Tambakhani has begun cracking. The sound of cracking of the mountain last week after a gap of about 12 years made the people panicky in Joshiada, Gyansu, Bhatwadi and Indira Colony. People were having sleepless nights since. GSI and THDC teams were sent to study the problem in view of the seriousness of the matter.