Continued landslide along the pedestrian route from the main Bazaar to the Narsinh temple here is causing anxiety among the locals.
The landslide has damaged the route to the temple with the locals stating that if treatment and protective measures are not undertaken soon, there also the possibility of the landslide posing a threat to residential buildings nearby. There is a pedestrian route from the main bazaar in Joshimath to the famous Narsinh temple here.
The heavy rains being experienced in the area have set off landslide above this route which might also affect the motor road to the shrine if not tackled soon. This has already affected the pedestrian route which has now been converted into a narrow gully. Some residential buildings in the area are also facing a threat now due to the continued landslide.
In view of this danger, some residents have already vacated their homes which also include the homes of employees of the Public Works Department. In spite of this the local administration has not yet bothered to pay attention to the landslide in this area. The locals fear that if the rains and landslide continue, the exacerbated effect might damage many buildings including residential constructions in this area.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Public Works Department is responsible for the road to the Narsinh temple. The area affected by the landslide set off from near this road has now expanded upto the pedestrian route. The pedestrian route is under the purview of the Joshimath municipality. The urban local body too has not taken any action in view of the landslide.
It appears as if all the departments concerned are waiting for a disaster to strike and take its toll of life and property. locals complain that in spite of the havoc wreaked by the disaster experienced in Uttarakhand in June, the authorities are treating this landslide and other such factors without the seriousness required to prevent damage.
The apathetic attitude of the authorities concerned is delaying timely action needed to prevent disaster.