DEHRADUN: The Chamoli district administration has granted permission for residents of subsidence-affected Jyotirmath (formerly Joshimath) to carry out repairs on homes categorised under green and yellow zones.
District magistrate Sandeep Tiwari issued the order “in public interest, granting permission for temporary repairs to residential buildings” in response to mounting demands from the affected residents to let them rebuild their homes ahead of the winter season.
While the move provides relief to many, the permission comes with strict conditions. Only repairs to existing residential structures are allowed, with new construction explicitly prohibited. Homeowners seeking to undertake repairs must submit an undertaking affirming that no new construction will be carried out.
The decision ends a nearly two-year ban on construction activities in the town, imposed after severe land subsidence was recorded in Jan 2023. After the issue gained nationwide attention, Jyotirmath had been categorised into red, yellow, and green zones, reflecting varying levels of risk, based on recommendations from scientific and technical experts. The red zone denotes areas facing the highest level of risk, requiring immediate attention and intervention.
Residents had been pressing for the relaxation of restrictions to address the deteriorating condition of their homes, which were left in disrepair as they awaited governmental measures.
However, the district administration order has drawn criticism from the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti (JBSS), a local advocacy group representing affected residents. JBSS convenor Atul Sati called the directive “incomplete,” arguing that it does not address their demand for permission to build in safe zones.
“The govt’s decision falls short of our expectations. Residents who were compensated for their damaged homes are still prohibited from constructing new structures in safe areas of the town,” Sati said.
