Those red marks on their homes!

About 580 families in Joshimath, Uttarakhand have moved out of their homes. For last two days, they resilience is being tested by rain and snowfall. The cracks have been appearing for almost two years, but it was on January 2nd 2023, that the media reacted to these and it was brought to the notice of the state and the central government. Since then, the cracks have been getting broader, and to add insult to the injury the evacuees are being paid Five Thousand per month only. The rain has increased the concern. Persistent rain can cause landslides and the cracks may get widen which may turn out to be fatal. The residents have found temporary shelters in Gurdwaras, Temples, but their furniture and other household items are there on the roadside. The residents are concerned as the governments have taken notice of the cracks in their homes, but have not taken care of the blow that their livelihoods will suffer. Their commercial buildings, the shops, the restaurants, the hotels and even their agricultural lands are in a condition that the residents can neither make an earning out of it, nor can they leave it. The government has put a red cross marks on the affected buildings. These marks just convey –“ Don't stay here, your life is in danger.” However, the authorities are still trying to shy away from saying anything about their goods, animals and source of income. Those red marks on their homes are not just a sign to stay away, but also a danger sign for the impending uncertainties.