Following a devastating cloudburst on August 5, 2025, the Harsil region of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand, India, has been grappling with the aftermath of flash floods and mudslides. In the wake of this natural disaster, a temporary lake formed in the upper reaches of Harsil, causing significant concern for downstream areas. The accumulation of water, estimated to be 400-500 meters long, raised the specter of a potential breach, which could exacerbate the destruction already wrought by the floods.
In response to this looming threat, authorities have mobilized resources and personnel to manually drain the artificial lake. The primary objective is to execute a controlled drainage operation, mitigating the risk of a sudden and uncontrolled release of water that could endanger lives and infrastructure downstream.
The Indian Army is playing a crucial role in overseeing the drainage operations at the temporary lake in Harsil. A Lieutenant Colonel from the Army is on-site, providing essential support to ensure the safe and smooth discharge of water. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is facing considerable challenges in restoring road connectivity, as approximately 600 meters of the road from Harsil to Dharali, near the Army camp, remains submerged. The BRO has stated that a thorough assessment of the road damage can only commence once the water has been drained, with repair work contingent on the completion of the drainage process.
The Irrigation Department is actively involved in preparing to manually create a drainage path to release water from the formed lake in the Harsil area. Officers and workers from the department are being transported to Harsil by helicopter and have been instructed to establish a permanent camp to facilitate continuous drainage efforts. A team from UJVNL (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) has also been dispatched to the site to provide assistance in the drainage operations.
SDRF personnel are actively clearing debris and obstructions in an attempt to restore the river's natural flow. On Monday, SDRF personnel utilized an electric saw to cut through a large tree that was impeding the water's flow, aiming to create an outlet for the accumulated water. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that these measures have initiated the process of draining the lake. IG SDRF Arun Mohan Joshi has stated that the affected area has been divided into sectors to ensure coordinated management of the drainage efforts.
A 10-member team of geologists from various departments has been dispatched to Uttarkashi to assess the stability of the lake and recommend safe discharge measures. Their expertise will be crucial in determining the most effective and secure methods for draining the lake while minimizing the risk of further damage.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of additional rainfall in the coming days, further complicating the situation. Officials have cautioned that a sudden rupture of the temporary lake could unleash a surge of water downstream, exacerbating the destruction caused by the initial flood.
Relief efforts are underway, with locals along the riverbank being relocated to safer areas. Relief supplies are being provided to those affected, and teams are maintaining vigilant monitoring for any new risks, such as additional obstructions from tree trunks or the impact of further rainfall. Despite adverse weather conditions, ground teams from the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, and district administration are actively engaged in search, relief, and rescue operations, utilizing advanced equipment to locate those still trapped under the debris.
