Geological experts in Uttarkashi revealed the alarming formation of a temporary lake in the Bhagirathi River following devastating flash floods in Dharali village. The disaster, which struck on August 5, also wreaked havoc in nearby Harshil town, claiming one life and leaving 68 people missing, including nine army personnel from a heavily damaged military camp.

The experts, after inspecting the affected areas, explained that heavy rainfall activated a local stream called Telgad near the army camp in Harshil. The stream carried a massive amount of debris and water, forming a fan-shaped sediment deposit, or alluvial fan, at its confluence with the Bhagirathi River. This deposit blocked the river’s original channel, creating a temporary lake approximately 1,500 meters long and 12 to 15 feet deep on the river’s right bank.

The lake’s formation submerged parts of the national highway and a helipad, posing a severe threat to Harshil town. The floods also reshaped the river’s topography, eroding a sand dune on the right bank and depositing fresh sediment on the left, exposing northern parts of the town to further risk. Ongoing bedrock erosion had already damaged structures, including part of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Guest House.

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On August 12, the geological team found the alluvial fan on the river’s left bank was saturated and too weak to support heavy machinery like JCBs, the only equipment available locally. To address the crisis, they devised a plan to clear debris and restore water flow by creating small diversion channels, each 9 to 12 inches deep, to gradually release the stagnant water and prevent downstream flooding.

In coordination with Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya and Inspector General (SDRF) Arun Mohan Joshi, the team emphasized a phased approach, opening the lake’s outflow channels in three or four stages. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Irrigation Department acted swiftly, executing the plan over two days to ensure controlled drainage of the lake.

Efforts continue to manually puncture the lake, allowing water to flow out in a controlled manner. The operation aims to mitigate the risk of sudden flooding downstream while addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the altered river landscape and damaged infrastructure in the region.

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