Tension is palpable in Uttarakhand's Joshimath where cracks in hundreds of houses have pushed locals to the edge. All nine districts in the town have been declared "unsafe" by the government while experts hold survey in the area over land subsidence concerns. Amid fears among residents, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who said that he was assured all possible help by the central government.
While authorities have started the process to shift locals to safety, reports have suggested that the alarm was raised earlier too. In a video tweeted by news agency ANI, locals can be engaged in an argument with an official. A woman speaking with Sub-Divisional Magistrate Joshimath Kumkum can be heard saying: "We had come to you earlier... and what was the reply we got? When the ceiling falls, then come to us. Then you can take away ₹5,000." To this, the official can be heard replying: "No, that's not how it was."
"We will get you shifted tomorrow," the official - surrounded by a group of people - further says while responding to a man who is elaborating on the grievances.
The video, as per ANI, was recorded when the conversation took place on Sunday night as locals accused the SDM of misbehaving.
{{/usCountry}}The video, as per ANI, was recorded when the conversation took place on Sunday night as locals accused the SDM of misbehaving.
{{/usCountry}}More than 500 houses are said to be affected in the area as residents say the town is sinking. The situation has come to this due to extreme weather events and rapid construction. Meanwhile, district authorities have also started marking the houses as unsfafe with a red cross drawn outside the building.
Chief Minister Dhami visited the town on Saturday and met the affected families. Construction for now has been restricted in Joshimath and nearby areas.
(With inputs from ANI)