After ISRO Shared Satellite Images Of Sinking Joshimath, A Gag Order

Joshimath in Uttarakhand experienced a rapid sinking of 5.4 cm in just 12 days, according to a report from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), and the National Disaster Management Authority has barred government organisations from talking with the media or posting information about ground subsidence on social media. It claimed that the "own interpretations" of the organisations' data are causing confusion.

"It is observed that various government institutions are releasing data related to the subject matter in social media platform, and also they are interacting with media with their own interpretation of the situation. It is creating confusion not only among affected residents but also among citizens of the country," the NDMA letter said, adding that the issue was highlighted during a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister on January 12.

The disaster management agency requested several institutions, including ISRO, to "sensitise their organisation" about this matter and refrain from posting anything on social media platforms until the expert group's final report is made public. The expert group has been formed to assess the extent of ground subsidence at Joshimath, the agency noted.

Joshimath sank 5.4 cm between December 27 and January

Joshimath sank 5.4 cm between December 27 and January 8 according to satellite images from the Cartosat-2S satellite that were made public by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Center.

According to the study, which quoted witnesses, "a quick subsidence event that was started on January 2, 2023" caused the significant soil sinking.

Joshimath is regarded as a holy town because it serves as a gateway for Hindu and Sikh shrines. In December of last year, several buildings there experienced deep cracks, which led to panic and prompt rescue efforts. A satellite survey led to the evacuation of almost 4,000 households.

For years, environmentalists and locals have warned about indiscriminate construction in sensitive towns like Joshimath. Ignoring many of these calls, the government has widened roads, and built dams and power plants, besides allowing hotels and multi-storey buildings to mushroom.

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