Lake Formation Near Harsil Village Risks Lives of Villagers

Dehradun: Massive muck and debris carried by the Khirgad stream on Tuesday wreaked havoc in the Dharali market and formed a lake-like accumulation in the Ganga riverbed near Harsil village, endangering local lives. Efforts are underway to channel and discharge the impounded water, while Army rescue teams and civil authorities have moved villagers to safer, higher ground. Eleven Army personnel remain missing following the cloudburst disaster.

According to the State Disaster Management Department, the Khirgad (or Khir Ganga) rivulet deposited nearly 30 feet of debris in the opposite bank’s Ganga bed, creating the temporary lake near Harsil. Continued rainfall in the upper reaches toward Gangotri has heightened flood risks, prompting authorities to evacuate riverside homes.

A statement from the Uttarakhand State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) explained, “The debris dam has raised the Ganga’s water level. Indian Army and Irrigation Department teams are working to divert the excess flow, while residents have been relocated to higher ground.”

District officials have yet to assess total casualties in Dharali, with over 70 people—including 11 missing soldiers—still unaccounted for. Nearly 150 Army personnel based at Harsil, supplemented by SDRF teams from Gangotri and local ITBP units, are conducting search-and-rescue operations.

An Army communiqué noted, “In the wake of the devastating Khirgad mudslide at Dharali, Col. Harshvardhan of 14 RAJRIF is leading 150 troops in critical rescue efforts. Despite our base being cut off and 11 personnel feared missing, the team remains resolute.” A follow-up statement added, “Additional Army columns with tracker dogs, drones, and earthmoving equipment have been deployed to Harsil. Army and Air Force helicopters are coordinating supplies, medical evacuations, and marooned rescues. Meanwhile, residents have been shifted to higher locations due to rising water levels from incessant rains.”