Three villages in Himachal facing Joshimath-like imminent danger, cracks in several houses

The Joshimath crisis has set alarm bells ringing in other states as well. Besides Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh too sits on shaky ground. India Today TV reaches the difficult terrains of Himachal Pradesh and finds three villages -- Nagani, Thalaut and Faagu in Seraj valley of Mandi district -- facing a Joshimath-like situation, with cracks in houses sending villagers into a panic.

According to locals, things were normal in these villages till the four-lane project started on the Kiratpur-Manali highway in 2018-19. The cracks started developing from 2020 onwards. The deadline to complete the four-lane project is 2024.

At least 32 houses and three temples are among others at risk in these three villages and a few houses have been vacated.

Locals are close to displacement due to the cracks in their houses. According to them, three teams visited the village and assured them of proper compensation but it still eluded them.

"What would they be doing with compensation when they are homeless," a local said.

They say whenever it rains, they live in fear and the government hasn’t provided



them with safe places despite assurances.

While narrating the ordeal, an elderly woman, Chamari Devi from Faagu village said, "I spent my entire life here. People are now asking us to leave this place. Where would we go from here?"

Another resident from Nagani village, who identified herself as Saina Devi, added "Our house is completely broken due to four-lane highway work. We have five kids, so it's very tough for us to leave from here."

While explaining the situation, 38-year-old Beena Devi from Thalaut village said, "The government talked about giving compensation, but where should we go with kids, elders and so many other things?"

Meanwhile, an official said that the danger surfaced in 2018 and a survey was carried out too. He said that a result of the assessment was awaited.

ADM, Mandi, Ashwini Kumar, said, "The danger arose from 2018-19 onwards. Cracks in houses emerged due to hill-cutting. We conducted a survey of 10 villages. Scientists have also conducted a survey, and the report is awaited."

The villagers expect help and respite from the government.