State cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj reached Joshimath and inspected the cracks and landslides in the houses and hotels. He asked Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami over phone to completely stop the ongoing blasting in NTPC tunnel.
People complained then talked to the CM:
Tourism, Public Works, Irrigation, Panchayati Raj, Rural Works, Watershed, Endowment and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj reached Joshimath on Thursday and carried out on-the-spot inspection of cracks and landslides in houses and hotels. During this, the local people told him that continuous blasting is still going on in the NTPC tunnel. Taking cognizance of the matter, Maharaj spoke to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on telephone and asked him to completely stop the ongoing blasting in NTPC tunnel. He told that the Chief Minister has given instructions to stop all types of blasting.
Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj inspected the houses and buildings affected by landslides in places like Singhdhar, Narsingh Mandir, Gandhinagar, JP Colony (Marwari) located in Joshimath, as well as reviewed the arrangements for the relief camps running in the Municipality and Gurdwara. Also reviewed.
Regarding many people of a family affected by the calamity staying in the same room, he said that only those officers who are needed there should stay in Joshimath so that such families affected by landslides can get rooms. Maharaj said that immediate assistance of Rs 50-50 thousand has been given by the government. After assessing the damage, the government will provide full help.
Maharaj said that the way the news about Joshimath is coming in the media, tourists have canceled most of the bookings. Invoking protocol, he said that all places in Uttarakhand are safe except Joshimath. The government will also try to complete the Winter Games to be held in Auli.
