Dehradun: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday conducted a detailed review of the rehabilitation and reconstruction work underway in Joshimath following the land subsidence crisis. During the meeting held at the State Emergency Operations Centre, NDMA Members Rita Missal and Dinesh Kumar Aswal expressed satisfaction with the progress made by various departments while directing that all projects be completed within the stipulated timeline, maintaining quality and transparency.
Rita Missal emphasised that the participation of local residents is crucial to the rehabilitation process and said that all activities should be carried out in consultation with affected families to ensure smooth implementation. She assured that the Central Government and NDMA stand firmly with every affected family in Joshimath and that along with safe rehabilitation, restoring livelihoods would remain a priority. She also instructed officials to complete the compensation distribution process in a transparent and time-bound manner.
NDMA Member Dinesh Kumar Aswal stressed the need for scientific risk assessment of land subsidence in Joshimath and the installation of modern real-time monitoring systems. He said continuous monitoring would enable authorities to detect ground movement at an early stage and take timely preventive measures. He also assured the state government of full technical and institutional support from NDMA whenever required.
Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman informed the meeting that under the Joshimath Rehabilitation Project approved by the Central Government, the state received the first instalment of ₹292 crore in May 2025. The funds are being used for critical works such as slope stabilisation, toe protection, sewerage, and drainage infrastructure. NDMA expressed satisfaction with the progress and directed that quality standards be maintained throughout implementation.
Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar informed the meeting that the demolition of 55 buildings declared unsafe has commenced. NDMA directed officials to expedite the process to minimise potential risks.
The meeting also reviewed the utilisation of ₹811 crore approved under the PDNA-2025 programme following the 2025 disasters. Officials stated that the state has already received the first instalment of ₹182.67 crore. NDMA instructed the state to ensure the prompt and result-oriented utilisation of the available funds to accelerate rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
