Lack of building permit system among main reasons for destruction in Joshimath: Govt report

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Joshimath in Uttarakhand, according to a post-disaster needs assessment conducted by government agencies. Starting January 2, a number of houses and civil structures in an area located near Joshimath-Auli road began to display major cracks due to land subsidence, prompting the relocation of 355 families.
According to local residents, land subsidence had been noticed over several years but became increasingly severe from January 2 to January 8.

A 35-member team consisting of professionals from the National Disaster Management Authority, UN agencies, Central Building Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, and other agencies conducted a «Post Disaster Needs Assessment» from April 22 to April 25 to assess the damage caused and to identify the assistance required for the long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected sectors.
The report highlights that although building bylaws exist, they are not mandatory for residential buildings.
«People obtain permits only when they need a loan or for other government requirements.

One of the primary reasons for Joshimath's current situation is the absence of a building permit system. Had there been risk-based building bylaws in place and existing buildings were in compliance with them, the extent of damage would have been less, and retrofitting would have been less expensive,» the report said.
Another issue of concern identified in the report is the «lack of town planning and absence of risk-informed land use maps».