One year after the devastating Dharali disaster in Uttarkashi, concerns remain over the Telegad lake, which continues to pose a serious threat to Harsil village and nearby infrastructure. The lake was formed after a massive landslide blocked the Bhagirathi River during the disaster that struck on August 5 last year.
About 30 minutes after the Khir Ganga flash flood devastated Dharali, another massive debris flow hit the Telegad stream near Harsil, around three kilometres away. The debris destroyed an Army camp, and nine soldiers were reported missing after being swept away. It also blocked the Bhagirathi River, creating a temporary lake stretching nearly 1.5 kilometres, the threat of which still remains.
Last month, rising water levels in the lake and the Telegad stream triggered severe erosion in Harsil, putting residential buildings and government properties at risk. A GMVN tin shed was washed away, while the collapse of large trees near the Army camp raised concerns about the river flow being blocked again. Following protests by local residents, the administration initiated temporary river channelisation and protective works. However, locals say the danger has not yet been eliminated.
Residents have also expressed concern that a landslide-created lake near the Telegad outlet remains intact. They fear that heavy rainfall could once again trigger a catastrophic flood. Although the district administration had announced that experts from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) would inspect the site, the survey has not yet been conducted.
One Year Later, Safety Measures Still Incomplete
Even a year after the disaster, vast stretches of Dharali remain covered with debris. Affected residents say only limited measures have been taken, with the administration mainly diverting the river back to its original course instead of implementing permanent protection works.
The Khir Ganga flash flood buried multi-storey buildings, the Gangotri Highway, Kalp Kedar Temple, and apple orchards under nearly 25 feet of debris. The disaster claimed the lives of around 70 people, including eight local residents, whose bodies were never recovered and were later officially declared dead.
Villagers warn that huge piles of debris still remain on both sides of the river, increasing the risk of another disaster if heavy rains trigger fresh flooding.
Villagers Continue to Live Under Fear
Dharali village head Ajay Negi said that the administration’s response has largely been limited to changing the river’s course. He added that when the Khir Ganga water level rose again last month, the alternative Gangotri Highway also came under threat.
Authorities have issued notices asking nearly 115 residents living in old Dharali to vacate their homes during the monsoon season, forcing families to live under constant fear of displacement.
Hardudhu Fair Observed in a Simple Manner
The annual Hardudhu Fair was observed in a subdued manner in Dharali, as memories of last year’s tragedy remain fresh. On Tuesday evening, villagers offered milk to Nag Devta at the Sameshwar Devta Temple, continuing a long-standing tradition.
Former village head Mamta Panwar said the community had lost many loved ones in the disaster, making it impossible to celebrate the festival as before. On Wednesday, special prayers were offered for the peace of the departed souls, and 101 saplings were planted in their memory.
First Anniversary Marked With Prayers and Plantation Drive
On the first anniversary of the Dharali disaster, villagers organised a day-long prayer ceremony for the 70 victims who lost their lives. Five priests recited Rudrashtak, Pitra Gayatri, and verses from the Bhagavad Gita to pray for the departed souls.
Residents announced that every August 5 they will commemorate the victims by planting trees at the disaster site, keeping their memory alive while promoting environmental conservation.
