A team of geological experts in Uttarakhand has explained how a temporary lake was formed in the Bhagirathi River after recent flash floods in Dharali village, Uttarkashi. The disaster also caused large-scale damage to nearby Harshil town.
The experts visited the affected areas of Dharali and Harshil to study the situation, possible dangers, and rescue measures. Their findings showed that the lake formed after a local stream, called Telgad, became highly active during the August 5 disaster. The heavy rainfall triggered this activity, and it led to major damage, including the death of one person and 68 people going missing.
Harshil’s Army camp was badly hit by the disaster. Several structures were destroyed, and nine personnel — including one junior commissioned officer and eight jawans — went missing. Large amounts of debris and water gathered in the Telgad stream where it meets the Bhagirathi River. This resulted in a big fan-shaped deposit of sediments at the confluence point.
According to the experts, the sediment deposit blocked the original flow of the Bhagirathi River and caused a temporary lake to form on the river’s right bank. The lake stretched about 1,500 metres long and had an estimated depth of 12 to 15 feet.
This new lake caused flooding in the area. Part of the national highway and a helipad were submerged. It also posed a serious threat to Harshil town. The event changed the Bhagirathi River’s topography — the sand dune on the right bank was eroded, while new sediment was deposited on the left bank. This process exposed the northern part of Harshil.
The experts noted that the continued erosion of the bedrock in the area had already damaged part of the Army camp. A portion of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Guest House was also lost.
During their inspection on August 12, the experts found that the left bank of the Bhagirathi was blocked by a waterlogged alluvial fan. This fan was weak because of its high moisture content, making it unsafe for heavy machinery like JCBs to operate. The only available heavy equipment locally could not be used in these conditions.
Based on their field studies and available resources, the geologists created a plan to safely clear the debris and restore water flow. They proposed digging small diversion channels — about 9 to 12 inches deep — to slowly release the lake water. This method was designed to prevent sudden flooding downstream.
The plan was discussed with Uttarkashi District Magistrate Prashant Arya and Inspector General Arun Mohan Joshi. It was decided that the lake’s outflow channels would be opened in three or four stages to maintain control and avoid a sudden surge of water.
Following the decision, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the Uttarkashi Irrigation Department started work immediately. On two successive days, the teams carefully executed the plan. They created the diversion channels in stages, which allowed the water to drain slowly and safely from the lake.
The experts said this controlled approach reduced the risk of further damage downstream while preventing a repeat of the sudden flooding that had occurred during the initial disaster. The work also helped lower water levels in the temporary lake, reducing the immediate threat to Harshil and nearby areas.
The disaster had caused serious damage to infrastructure and the landscape. The expert team’s work, in collaboration with local authorities and rescue agencies, was seen as a crucial step in managing the aftermath. Officials said the efforts would continue until the lake was fully drained and the river’s natural flow was restored.
The Dharali disaster has also highlighted the vulnerability of Uttarakhand’s mountain regions to extreme weather events. Heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides are common in the area, and experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of such events.
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Local authorities have emphasised the need for early warning systems, better disaster preparedness, and stronger infrastructure in sensitive zones like Dharali and Harshil. The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of regular geological monitoring to identify and reduce risks before disasters occur.
The safe drainage of the temporary lake is now underway, but authorities remain cautious. Continuous monitoring is being done to check for further erosion or fresh blockages in the river channel. Experts say that the risk of landslides in the surrounding slopes will remain until the ground stabilises after the heavy rains.
For the residents of Harshil and Dharali, the disaster has been a reminder of the challenges of living in high-altitude Himalayan regions. Many families are still waiting for news of missing relatives. Rescue teams continue to search, despite the difficulties posed by debris and unstable terrain.
Officials say the priority now is to keep downstream areas safe while completing the gradual release of the remaining water from the temporary lake. Once the immediate risk has passed, work will begin on restoring damaged infrastructure, including the national highway, helipad, and Army camp facilities.
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