Sunday, 04 MAY 2025 | PNS | DEHRADUN
On the eve of reopening of Badrinath Dham, the Centre has approved a sum of Rs 291.15 crore. Approving the fund on chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s request, the Centre has made the allocation for reconstruction, disaster mitigation and protection works in Jyotrimath. Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home minister Amit Shah for approving the sum for reconstruction works in Jyotirmath. He said that the State government is committed to planned development and secure long-term works in this town, adding that all possible efforts will be undertaken in the future for the development of the area. He said, “This project will entail not only securing the disaster-affected area of Jyotirmath but also provide a safe resting place for the locals and pilgrims visiting Badrinath. The safety of those living around Narsinh Mandir, the winter abode of Lord Badrinath will also be ensured under the project,” the CM said.
It will be recalled that many homes and infrastructure was affected and developed big cracks due to land subsidence in Jyotirmath during January 2023. About 22 per cent of the constructions in the city were affected by the subsidence in the area. Following this, Dhami held a meeting with senior officials and also sent a team of officials to inspect the affected area. On his directions, a 35-member team of experts from National Disaster Management Authority, Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority, IIT Roorkee, UNDP, CBRI and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, among other agencies visited Jyotirmath in April 2023 for a post disaster need assessment. The proposals prepared by the USDMA to prevent further subsidence, ensure ground stability and public safety include improvement in the drainage system in the city, toe protection work on the banks of Alaknanda, slope stabilisation and water and sanitation related works in the first phase. These work proposals were submitted to the NDMA for approval, which were later presented in the Ministry of Home Affairs.Dhami had also pursued these proposals with the PM and Home minister.
