Uttarakhand: Skilled group explains formation of lake in Bhagirathi throughout Dharali catastrophe

Efforts are underway at current to manually puncture the lake to facilitate outflow of water in a phased and managed method to stop flooding downstream.

The group performed a geological inspection of the disaster-affected areas of each Dharali and Harshil, studied the doable risks and measures for rescue, an official launch right here stated.

The group noticed {that a} native stream named Telgad in Harshil close to the Military camp grew to become energetic attributable to heavy rainfall throughout the August 5 catastrophe, through which, based on the administration, one individual died and 68 others are lacking.

The camp bore the brunt of the catastrophe, which demolished constructions apart from leaving 9 of its personnel lacking, together with a junior commissioned officer and eight jawans.

A considerable amount of particles and water got here and gathered within the stream at its level of confluence with the Bhagirathi River and shaped a big fan-shaped deposit of sediments, the group of specialists stated.

This fan obstructed the unique channel of the Bhagirathi River and shaped a brief lake on the best financial institution of the river.

The size of the newly shaped lake was about 1,500 metres, and its estimated depth was 12 to fifteen ft.

The flooding not solely submerged a portion of the nationwide freeway and a helipad, but additionally posed a severe menace to Harshil city.

This occasion additionally considerably altered the topography of the Bhagirathi River, because the sand dune situated on the best financial institution was eroded, whereas contemporary sediment was deposited on the left aspect, exposing the northern a part of the city.

The continued bedrock erosion on this space had already induced partial structural harm to the camp, together with the lack of a portion of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Visitor Home.

Inspection by the geological group on August 12 revealed that the left financial institution of the Bhagirathi River was blocked by a saturated alluvial fan.

Attributable to its excessive moisture content material, the fan was weak, which prevented heavy equipment comparable to JCBs from being deployed — the one tools obtainable domestically.

Primarily based on the sphere information and obtainable assets, the geologists ready a plan for particles clearance and partial restoration of water move.

The plan concerned creating small diversion channels of about 9-12 inches deep to step by step launch the stagnant water.

Throughout discussions with Uttarkashi District Justice of the Peace Prashant Arya and Inspector Common Arun Mohan Joshi, it was emphasised that the lake outflow channels needs to be opened in three or 4 levels to keep away from sudden flooding downstream.

Work was instantly began by the State Catastrophe Response Pressure and the Irrigation Division, Uttarkashi.

By way of cautious execution of the plan on two successive days, the groups engaged within the train have been capable of facilitate managed water drainage from the lake.

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