Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – A team of geological experts has explained how a temporary lake was formed in the Bhagirathi River following the recent flash floods in Dharali village. The floods, which hit the area on August 5, also caused major damage to nearby Harshil town.
The experts said that a local stream called Telgad, near the Army camp in Harshil, became highly active due to heavy rainfall. The water and debris from this stream accumulated at its meeting point with the Bhagirathi River, creating a large fan-shaped deposit of sediment. This deposit blocked the river on the right bank, forming a temporary lake about 1,500 metres long and 12 to 15 feet deep.
Officials said that one person died in the disaster and 68 people are still missing. The Army camp in Harshil was hit hard, with structures destroyed and nine personnel, including a junior commissioned officer and eight jawans, reported missing. The floods also submerged parts of the national highway and a helipad, posing a serious risk to Harshil town.
Experts said that the flood changed the shape of the Bhagirathi River. The sand dune on the right bank was eroded, and fresh sediment was deposited on the left side. This exposed the northern part of Harshil town and caused partial damage to structures, including part of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Guest House at the Army camp.
After inspecting the area on August 12, the geological team found that the left bank of the Bhagirathi River was blocked by a saturated alluvial fan. Because of its high moisture content, the fan was weak, which prevented the use of heavy machinery like JCBs. Only the local equipment was available for clearing the debris.
Using field data and available resources, the experts prepared a plan to remove debris and restore partial water flow. The plan involved creating small diversion channels, 9 to 12 inches deep, to gradually release the water from the lake. The aim was to open these channels in three or four stages so that water would flow slowly and not cause flooding downstream.
The State Disaster Response Force and the Irrigation Department in Uttarkashi immediately started work on this plan. Over two consecutive days, the teams were able to drain the lake in a controlled way, allowing water to flow safely without causing further damage.
Officials said that the careful execution of the plan was important to avoid sudden flooding, which could have been dangerous for Harshil and other nearby areas. They also noted that clearing debris from the alluvial fan and the temporary lake had helped prevent more damage to structures and roads in the region.
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Experts said that these kinds of temporary lakes often form during heavy rain and floods in mountainous regions. When streams and rivers carry large amounts of water and debris, sediment can build up quickly, blocking river channels. In this case, the flood and debris from the Telgad stream caused the blockage that led to the lake in the Bhagirathi River.
The geological team’s study has helped authorities understand how such lakes form and what can be done to prevent them from causing large-scale damage. Officials said that monitoring the river and taking quick action during floods is critical for safety.
Authorities also emphasized that the ongoing efforts in Harshil and Dharali are aimed at ensuring that residents are safe and that roads and public services are restored as soon as possible. The controlled drainage of the lake has reduced the risk of sudden flooding and has allowed rescue and recovery operations to continue smoothly.
The floods in Dharali and Harshil have shown how vulnerable mountainous areas are to sudden heavy rainfall and flash floods. Experts say that with proper planning and early action, the impact of such natural disasters can be minimized.
The Uttarkashi administration has been coordinating closely with disaster response teams, geologists, and the Army to handle the situation. They are also working to support families affected by the floods and to account for all missing persons.
In conclusion, the temporary lake in the Bhagirathi River was formed due to heavy rainfall and sediment buildup from the Telgad stream. Through careful planning and controlled drainage, authorities were able to reduce risks and protect Harshil town. Experts say that such studies and preventive measures are essential in mountain regions prone to flash floods.
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