The devastating floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village have been linked to years of human encroachment and disruption of natural water flow, as explained by Prof. D.D. Chuniyaal of Doon University’s Nityanand Himalayan Research Centre. Using satellite imagery, Prof. Chuniyaal has revealed that the Khir Ganga river, which usually flows into the Bhagirathi river near Dharali, was forced to change course due to illegal construction and farming on its floodplain.
This deviation made the river flow unnaturally northward—against its natural gradient—for years. When Khir Ganga finally returned to its original path on Tuesday, it carried massive amounts of boulders and debris, sweeping away the newly settled area of Dharali.
According to Prof. Chuniyaal, Khir Ganga used to create new floodplains, one of which became an agricultural zone. Over time, hotels and markets sprang up there, blocking the river’s natural path. The unsustainable pressure eventually made the river revert to its steep, original course, unleashing destruction along the way.
Prof. Chuniyaal also pointed out that the Khir Ganga glacier region has several small glacial lakes. As these filled up due to accumulated rainfall, the overflow cascaded one into another, building immense pressure. When one lake burst, the chain reaction caused a sudden surge of water loaded with debris, which led to the disaster in the lower Dharali area.
Interestingly, the original Dharali village, perched on a small hill to the east of the Bhagirathi, remained untouched. Its traditional location kept it safely outside the river’s flood zone—an example of ancestral wisdom in choosing safer settlements. In contrast, the newer part of Dharali was built on vulnerable terrain, which proved fatal when nature reclaimed its course.
