Mounting Land Subsidence in Bageshwar: A Ticking Time Bomb

Cracks resembling those in Joshimath have emerged in over two dozen houses in Bageshwar's Kumaon region. Locals link the land subsidence to extensive soapstone mining. Despite mining being halted two years ago, new cracks continue to form, raising alarm among residents and highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

Cracks similar to those in Joshimath have appeared on the walls and ceilings of houses in more than two dozen villages of Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, sending residents in a state of alarm.

Officials attribute the worsening land subsidence to large-scale soapstone mining and untreated excavated ditches, with contractors often violating norms by using blasting and heavy machinery.

"Despite mining being stopped in the area two years ago, we found at least seven to eight houses in Kanda village with cracks still appearing on the walls and ceilings," said District Mining Officer Jigyasa Bisht, who visited the village on September 3 with a geologist and revenue officials.

Around 1,000 people had to leave their homes in Joshimath, recently renamed Jyotirmath, in early 2023 when large cracks appeared on walls and floors due to land subsidence.

The issue was highlighted when locals raised it during a janata darbar at the collectorate in Bageshwar. However, the National Green Tribunal has not taken cognisance of any such incident in the district, according to Bisht.

Cracks have also appeared in houses in more than 25 villages adjacent to ongoing mining areas, impacting over 100 villages in total.

Locals like Ghanshyam Joshi note that at least 131 families in 11 villages have been identified for rehabilitation due to the landslide threat, confirmed by district disaster management officer Shikha Suyal.

Officials found no violations of mining rules at Kalika temple in Kapkot block despite recent complaints. Despite mines being closed, cracks continue, says Bisht. Kapkot MLA Balwant Bhauriyal, a mine owner, asserts mining is done with villagers' consent.

Researcher Chandra Shekhar Dwivedi attributes ongoing subsidence to norm violations and reckless mining practices, pointing out that contractor compensations often prevent villagers from reporting damages.

With most houses in villages like Kandekanyal empty, the urgency for intervention grows. The National Green Tribunal is yet to issue any directives on the matter, Bisht noted.

(With inputs from agencies.)