As the lives of Joshimath's residents has been upended due to land subsidence, a study has claimed that the town and its surrounding areas have been sinking at a rate of 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) every year.
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) used satellite data to study the Uttarakhand region. The data was reportedly collected between July 2020 and March 2022.
Over 600 buildings, and some roads and public places in Joshimath developed cracks recently, sparking fear among the residents. Around 4,000 people had been moved to safer areas by 10 January 2023.
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Amid evacuations and planned demolitions in Joshimath, other Uttarakhand towns like Karnaprayag have also reported cracks in houses.