Around 70% residents in Joshimath leading normal lives, says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

He said the Char Dham Yatra, one of the renowned pilgrimage which covers four sites, including Kedarnath and Badrinath via Joshimath, will start in next four months. Dhami said there is no need for panic due to the Joshimath situation and people sitting in other parts of the country should not comment about it.

He said he has briefed the home minister about the steps taken for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected people in Joshimath.

Asked whether he sought a rehabilitation package for the people in Joshimath, he said such things will come after the Central team, which is visiting Joshimath, submits its final report.

"The Central government is providing us with whatever help that is required," he said.

Dhami said he has already briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who himself is asking for regular inputs.

Reports said that the Uttarakhand government has distributed Rs 3.10 crore to 207 affected families as advance for the displacement while a piece of land belonging to the Horticulture Department has been identified for the construction of model pre-fabricated huts with one, two, and three bedrooms.

The number of buildings that have developed cracks has risen to 849 and 250 families have been evacuated to safety, so far.

There are a total 615 rooms in Joshimath with a capacity of 2,190 people and 491 rooms in Pipalkoti with a capacity of 2,205 people have been made into temporary relief camps.

Amid rising concerns over subsidence-hit Joshimath, authorities are worried about where to keep the riches of Badrinath safeguarded at Narsingh temple.

Though authorities claim the temple is secure as of now, they have begun looking for alternative locations nearby where the riches comprising a huge quantity gold and silver, besides other offerings can be kept in case the situation in the town worsens further.

The worst-hit Singdhar ward and JP colony are located at an aerial distance of just half 1km from Narsingh temple adding to the worries of the authorities.

Vishnu, the presiding deity of Badrinath is worshipped at Narsingh temple in Joshimath after the portals of the Himalayan temple are closed for winter.

The riches of Badrinath are also brought down to the Narsingh temple during winter. "There are no cracks yet in the Narsingh temple and its premises. But as a precautionary step we have made an alternative plan as to where to shift the riches if it becomes inevitable," Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee chairman Ajendra Ajay told PTI.

"We have explored the alternative locations and found a guest house in Pipalkoti most appropriate for the purpose," Ajay said.

"Some people have also suggested a location in Pandukeshwar," he added.

"However, there is no need as yet to shift the riches anywhere. We pray to the lord that such an eventuality does not arise," he said.

The riches comprise 30-35 kg silver and 40-45 kg gold amid other offerings, he said.