Not only Joshimath; Uttarkashi, and Nainital are also at risk of sinking, say experts
Experts have warned that just like Joshimath, several other towns in the foothills of the Himalayas are vulnerable to ground subsidence. Land subsidence is one of the biggest overlooked environmental consequences as human-led activity increases without any regard for the geology of the local region.
Joshimath is experiencing a similar situation with the land underneath moving because of a weak foundation and enhanced toe erosion due to the incessant rainfall and floods in the recent past. Human activity remains the biggest contributor.
However, the prime reason behind this sudden trigger in the situation is the reactivation of the Main Central Thrust (MCT-2). It is the geological fault where the Indian Plate has been pushed under the Eurasian Plate along the Himalayas. Just like Joshimath, Nainital is also experiencing heavy bouts of tourism with an unchecked spate of construction.
The town is situated in the Kumaun Lesser Himalaya and a 2016 report indicates that half of the area of the township is covered with debris generated by landslides. A geological study around Nainital by researchers from Wadia Institute of Geology and Graphic Era Hill University also found similar implications in 2016.
The study confirmed that the area dominantly comprises limestone with shale and slate which are highly crushed and weathered due to the presence of the Nainital Lake Fault.
