Lake formation near Harsil poses flood threat; villagers evacuated to safer locations

A massive accumulation of muck and debris brought down by the Khirgad water stream caused havoc in the Dharali market on Tuesday, resulting in the formation of a lake-like structure in the Ganga riverbed near Harsil village.

This sudden development has posed a significant threat to the lives of villagers, prompting authorities to evacuate residents to higher and safer locations.

Advertisement

According to the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Department, the large volume of water and debris carried by the Khirgad, also known as the Khir Ganga river, was deposited in the Ganga riverbed, situated on the opposite side of Dharali market.

This accumulation led to the lake-like formation near Harsil, causing a rise in the Ganga’s water level.

Disaster management officials in Uttarkashi reported that continuous rainfall in the upper reaches of the river has further increased the risk of flooding in the area. In response, local administration and Indian Army personnel have relocated villagers whose homes were close to the riverbank.

“A lake has formed at Harsil due to the heavy discharge of debris, resulting in the Ganga river flowing at a greater height. However, teams from the Indian Army and the State Irrigation Department are working diligently to channelise and drain the excess water from the lake area through multiple methods. Simultaneously, residents of Harsil whose houses are near the riverbank have been shifted to safer locations at higher elevations,” read a statement issued by the Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

Meanwhile, the district administration and emergency agencies have yet to assess the full extent of human losses in the disaster-hit Dharali market. Reports indicate that more than 70 individuals, including 11 army personnel, remain missing.

Search and rescue operations are being conducted by approximately 150 Army personnel deployed at the Harsil base camp, as well as by SDRF teams brought in from Gangotri and ITBP teams already stationed in the Gangotri shrine area.