In Joshimath, a northern Himalayan town, hundreds of structures have developed cracks after an apparent land subsidence. As residents are forced to leave their houses, authorities are demolishing buildings.
abc.net.au/news/sinking-himalayan-town-puts-spotlight-on-india-s-hydropower-rush/101858206Farmer Shiv Lal barely slept this week, overcome by worry about the deep cracks scarring his land as well as hundreds of other homes and buildings in a sinking town in India's Himalayas.
Hydropower currently accounts for about 13 per cent, or 47GW, of the country's total power generation capacity. "Ninety per cent of this problem is because of hydropower projects. The tunnel-making process has created havoc," said Anjal Prakash, research director of the Bharati Institute of Public Policy at the Hyderabad-based Indian School of Business.
Officials and geologists examining the damage in Joshimath think 2021 flash floods — that washed away the Rishiganga mini-hydropower project and claimed nearly 200 lives — were the trigger to Joshimath's present-day troubles. NTPC officials said rampant construction activity in Joshimath had caused the subsidence, not the tunnel they were constructing, which was more than 1 kilometre away from the edge of the town, and ran far below the surface.
Two hotels that had developed cracks are being demolished to avert the risk of their possible collapse, officials said.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
India names two short-form jets for Aussie TestsTwo Indian superstars of limited-overs cricket could be set to face Australia in the looming Test series. India's 17-man squad. 👇 9WWOS Cricket
Read more »
Border praises Cummins's captaincy but warns of 'acid test' against India, EnglandAllan Border — one of Australia's greatest captains — likes what he sees in Pat Cummins's performance as men's skipper, but he knows the pace spearhead is about to meet his toughest challenge during the next 12 months.
Read more »
Nepal plane crash with 72 onboard leaves at least 44 deadForeign nationals from Australia, France, Ireland and India among the passengers onboard
Read more »
Virat Kohli ton helps India beat Sri Lanka by ODI record runs marginKohli scored 166 runs off 110 balls to set up a 317-run victory, with Sri Lanka all out for 73 as their opponents claimed a 3-0 series whitewash
Read more »
Morning Mail: Australian among dead in Himalayan plane crash, insulation call for hot rentals, Australian Open beginsAn Australian is among at least 68 people who died in Nepal’s deadliest plane crash in decades.
Read more »
How this woman's Melbourne murder has become a force for good overseasAustralians collectively grieved for 21-year-old Aiia Maasarwe after she was fatally attacked walking home in Melbourne while on the phone to her sister. Four years on, she's being honoured.
Read more »