Joshimath: Govt announces ₹1.5 lakh interim relief each to affected families
R Meenakshi Sundaram, the principal secretary to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, told journalists in Joshimath that ₹50,000 of the relief amount was being provided in advance
The Uttarakhand government on Wednesday announced ₹1.5 lakh interim relief to each affected family in Joshimath a day after residents took to the streets seeking adequate compensation ahead of the first demolitions of buildings marked with a red X as land subsidence threatens much of the hill town.
The owner of a hotel, which was among the first to be demolished, on Tuesday threatened self-immolation if the authorities “forcefully tried to demolish his property” without adequate compensation. Two hotels leaned towards each other dangerously, posing a threat to human settlements around them.
R Meenakshi Sundaram, the principal secretary to chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, told journalists in Joshimath that ₹50,000 of the relief amount was being provided in advance for the residents to shift.
As many as 86 houses have been demarcated as an unsafe zone. So far, 723 houses have developed cracks and 462 people belonging to 131 families have been shifted to temporary relief camps.
Sundaram said the survey of affected buildings was underway and a temporary shifting of people to safer places was being carried out.
He added orders have been given to dismantle the two hotels. “These hotels are posing a threat to the surrounding buildings as well. Apart from this, no building is being demolished at present.”
Sundaram maintained the government was providing all possible facilities to the affected people. “Those who rent houses will be given ₹4000 per month for six months.”
Sundaram earlier assured the residents that those affected by the subsidence would be given compensation as per the market rate. “The market rate will be decided in public interest after taking the suggestions from the stakeholders.”
The government on Monday directed the razing of unstable structures, starting with the two hotels. As State Disaster Relief Force personnel along with heavy machinery reached the site, residents protested. The protesters said there was no clarity on how people whose properties were to be demolished will be compensated.