Joshimath
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Joshimath
Village in Garhwal District, United Provinces, situated in 30 degree 33' N. and 79 degree 35' E., at an elevation of 6,107 feet above sea- level and about 1,500 feet above the confluence of the Dhauli and Bishanganga, the combined stream being known as the Alaknanda. Population (1900), 468 in summer and a little larger in winter. It is chiefly remarkable as the winter head-quarters of the rawal or chief priest of the temple of Badrinath, who retires here after the snows have rendered the higher shrine inaccessible. The village contains several ancient temples, some of which have been much damaged by earthquakes. A police station is opened here during the pilgrim season.
Geology
The town is sinking slowly
Sep 17, 2022: The Times of India
Dehradun : Large chunks of Joshimath, the quaint town located at a height of over 6,000 feet in Uttarakhand and considered to be of strategic importance because of its proximity to the Chinese border, are slowly sinking, reports Gaurav Talwar.
Ateam formed to undertake geological and geotechnical investigation around the town in Chamoli found it is built on an unstable foundation — a thick cover of landslide material — which can give way in case of heavy rain, tremors, unregulated construction or more footfall than the town’s carrying capacity. It blamed the “sinking” on the numerous homes, resorts and hotels that have mushroomed along the Joshimath-Auli road. Poor drainage, sewage and erosion by rivers have compounded the situation.
