The Geological Survey of India (GSI) submitted a detailed report on the reconstruction of Kedarnath premises, to the State government, in Dehradun, on Thursday.
Earlier too, the GSI has submitted reports after surveying the areas hit by the 2013 deluge, but, this was the first GSI report that extensively dealt with the reconstruction works that were to be carried out in the premises of the Kedarnath shrine — the place which now has become synonymous with the Uttarakhand deluge that took away thousands of lives and caused extensive damage to property and livelihood.
T.S. Pangtey, Deputy Director General, GSI State Unit, said, “Among other recommendations, we have stressed that the boulder [Bhim Shila, which was brought down to the premises during the deluge] must not be displaced. It should instead be filled with concrete and fixed at its place.”
The report has a detailed description of reconstructing the damaged premises that still have remnants of houses, shops, and hotels buried under debris.
Mr. Pangtey said that the damaged township at Kedarnath must be demolished, and pre-fabricated huts must replace the buildings. The huts would be for the priests and workers of the shrine.
The State government must immediately start working on the reconstruction of the Kedarnath area, he said, adding that whenever required the GSI would continue to guide the State government in the reconstruction process.
