Joshimath – A Sinking Town is an exploration of the environmental and human-made factors contributing to the land subsidence crisis in Joshimath, a vital Himalayan town in Uttarakhand. Through firsthand observations and local testimonies, this project examines how rapid urbanization, large-scale construction, and ecological disregard have destabilized the region, forcing residents to confront an uncertain future.
Here, the artist delves into the intersection of development and disaster—whether in the unregulated expansion of infrastructure that burdens fragile land or in the overlooked wisdom of traditional ecological practices that once sustained mountain communities. As unchecked interventions continue, the delicate balance between nature and human habitation erodes, raising pressing questions about sustainable living in vulnerable landscapes.
vijay Singh Bisht
curator
Project By
vijay Singh Bisht
"Sir, this is the lap of the north, which means the lap of our mother, so it is Uttaranchal. What fear exists in the mother’s lap? We were born here, and we will remain here..."
– A local disaster victim
Auli, a high Himalayan meadow in Joshimath. The region is home to forests of deodar, oak (bānz), and other trees.
Introduction to the Region
Joshimath is a Himalayan town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 6,150 feet above sea level. It is situated on the slope descending from Trishul Peak, along the Alaknanda River. The town is surrounded by high circular hills, which primarily block the cold winds coming from the northern Himalayas. Joshimath also connects to other important religious and tourist destinations in the state, such as Badrinath, Auli, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib. Geographically, Joshimath is not situated on solid rock but rather on a deposit of sand and stones. The forests in the region are predominantly composed of oak, pine, and deodar trees.
Women adorned in the cultural heritage of Garhwal
Joshimath Landslide and the Locals
On January 2023, the Joshimath landslide caused cracks to appear throughout the mountain, forcing many residents to abandon their homes, while some are left living in damaged houses. Atul Sati, the convener of the Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, claims that the NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) projects are the primary cause of the landslides. He specifically points to the tunnel being constructed for the Tapovan Vishnugad Hydro Electric Project as a major contributor. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) used for tunnel construction became stuck in 2009 due to a large rock, leading to water leaking into the tunnel at a rate of 700 liters per second since then. According to him, this is not just a single incident but part of a series of events in which underground water sources have disappeared, causing empty spaces in the earth and triggering the landslide problem.
Local resident affected by the Joshimath disaster
Construction work of the Tapovan-Vishnugad Hydropower Project and Joshimath affected areas
Furthermore, local resident Shivlal Ji emphasizes that the lack of proper drainage systems in the town has also contributed to the landslide. Advocate Arun Kumar from Joshimath adds that two villages, Shyama and Son, were previously relocated due to similar issues, yet large-scale construction continued in the town, increasing the pressure on the area and exacerbating the landslide problem.
Widening of roads under the Char Dham road project and the Helang Marwari Bypass at Helang, which passes through the lower part of Joshimath town
Measures and Relief Efforts
As of April 2023, the rate of land subsidence in Joshimath has slowed down, and construction work has been temporarily halted. The government is providing compensation for the reconstruction of houses, offering temporary accommodations in hotels, and constructing prefabricated homes for the affected people.
Prefabricated homes being constructed by the state government in Dhak for the disaster-affected people of the Joshimath
JP Group Vishnuprayag Hydropower Project Powerhouse and NTPC office. Local residents have cited the tunnel being constructed under NTPC's hydropower project as a major cause behind the land subsidence in Joshimath
Voices from Joshimath
Spending time in Joshimath and speaking with local residents provided deeper insight into the landslide crisis. Many people believe that the issue arose due to large-scale construction activities, including the Char Dham Road Project, the Tapovan-Vishnugad Hydro Electric Project, the Vishnuprayag Hydro Electric Project, the Helang Marwari Bypass, tunnel construction, blasting, and widespread deforestation leading to unregulated residential and hotel development. Locals emphasize the urgent need for both the government and the community to act on expert recommendations to protect Joshimath and implement effective measures for its long-term stability.
Tapovan–Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project: Location and Layout Overview
Location map and layout of the Tapovan–Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project | Download Scientific Diagram
Rishi Ganga Hydroelectric Project affected by the flood in 2021
