Portals of Badrinath to open today
By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 3 May: In a significant development just a day ahead of the ceremonial opening of the portals of Badrinath temple, the Central government has sanctioned Rs 291.15 crore for disaster mitigation and planned reconstruction in the holy town of Jyotirmath, earlier known as Joshimath. The approval comes following persistent requests from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Expressing deep gratitude over the development, the Chief Minister has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for what he called a timely and vital support for the long-term safety and development of Jyotirmath. He claimed that the government is fully committed to the planned development of Jyotirmath and ensuring lasting safety for both the residents and devotees arriving from across India and abroad.
It may be recalled that the town of Jyotirmath had hit headlines after severe land subsidence incidents surfaced in early 2023. On January 2, 2023, major cracks appeared in several buildings and infrastructure, impacting nearly 22 per cent of the structures in the town. In immediate response, Dhami had convened high-level meetings and despatched senior officials to assess the situation on ground.
Following his directives, a 35-member team comprising experts from NDMA, USDMA, IIT Roorkee, UNDP, CBRI, Wadia Institute, NIDM, and other agencies conducted a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in the fourth week of April 2023. The expert team examined sector-wise damage to housing, health, education, water and sanitation, civic infrastructure, and proposed a recovery and reconstruction plan.
Based on the PDNA report, a High Level Committee under the Central Government approved financial assistance for recovery efforts in Jyotirmath and surrounding regions. The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has accordingly proposed several projects aimed at stabilising vulnerable land and improving drainage and sewerage systems.
The first phase of reconstruction includes toe protection works along the Alaknanda river, slope stabilisation measures, and upgrades to water and sanitation infrastructure. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared by the USDMA and submitted to the National Disaster Management Authority and subsequently to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Pushkar Singh Dhami personally engaged with the Union Government on multiple occasions, urging early release of funds. On the recommendation of the Home Ministry and repeated requests by the state leadership, the Centre finally approved the grant. Dhami commented that these funds will not only address the structural vulnerabilities of Jyotirmath but will also ensure the safety of pilgrims and residents alike. He added that a special focus will also be given to the Narsingh temple area, where Lord Badrivishal resides during winter.
The Chief Minister also added that on the auspicious occasion of the portal opening of Lord Badri Vishal, this financial assistance is a treasured gift from the Central Government to Uttarakhand. I assure the god-like people of Jyotirmath that a safe, well-planned, and beautiful town will soon be a reality. Every possible effort will be made to realise this vision.
