Uttarakhand: Cracks are appearing in the Parrot Valley, which is called the lifeline of Garhwal, the concern of geologists has increased
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The Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway (NH-07), which connects half of the Garhwal division including Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham, is heading towards a major geological crisis. Recently, serious cracks have appeared in the Tota Valley area. Which is emerging as a major threat.
Why is Tota Valley a matter of concern?
Tota Valley is the same route which is also very important from a strategic point of view and on which the religious, tourist and daily movement of Garhwal depends. If this route is closed, there is no practical alternative. Tota Valley is located at a distance of about 75-80 km between Rishikesh and Srinagar on NH-07. This area is known for its limestone. Which is considered to be one of the weakest geo-structures of the Himalayas.
Many big fractures and cracks seen in Totaghati
According to the information, senior geologist Mahendra Pratap Singh Bisht says that recently many big fractures and cracks have been seen in this area, some of which are two and a half to three feet wide. He says that it is difficult to estimate the depth of these cracks, but they are hundreds of meters deep and are going into infinite depth, ripping the entire mountain.
What will happen if the cracks are deep?
Geologist Mahendra Pratap Singh warned that if these cracks are not controlled in time, the entire mountainous part can break down and fall down, due to which the traffic on the highway will come to a complete halt. Not only this, if rock fall occurs, the entire mountain debris can get into the Ganges, which will not only obstruct the route, but will also have a serious impact on the environment and water flow.
No alternative route
Pratap Singh has also informed Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan about this danger. He has said that there is no alternative route in Tota Valley. We should plan a safe and permanent alternative route here as soon as possible. After the warning of scientists, now the Public Works Department has also started taking extra caution regarding Tota Valley.
