Dharali Uttarkashi disaster cause : Dharali Disaster: Could It Be Another Glacial Lake Outburst?
Dharali Uttarkashi disaster cause : Dehradun, August 6, 2025: Do you remember the Raini disaster? Four years ago, on February 7, 2021, a sudden surge in the Rishiganga River near Raini village in the border district of Chamoli completely destroyed two hydroelectric projects and claimed more than 200 lives. Now, exactly four years later, a similar event has unfolded in Dharali, Uttarkashi. The viral videos from the Raini disaster and the recent videos from Dharali show striking similarities. In both instances, the waves were like a tsunami. While the Raini disaster was caused by a glacial break, the Dharali incident is being attributed to a cloudburst. However, locals and experts familiar with the Himalayan region fear that the real cause might also be a glacial lake outburst. The actual reason will only become clear after a scientific study.
The locals’ fears are not unfounded. Three rivers were responsible for the devastation in the Harsil valley of Uttarkashi: the Khir Ganga, Tel Ganga, and Bhela river. Let’s look at their origins. The Khir Ganga originates from the Srikant Glacier and merges with the Bhagirathi River after passing through Jhindra Bugyal. The Tel Ganga originates from the Himaal and Mainak glaciers and meets the Bhagirathi near the army camp in Harsil. The Bhela river, coming from the Awana Glacier, joins the Bhagirathi at Sukki Down.
Everest victor Vishnu Semwal, who is familiar with the Harsil valley and has trekked to Jhindra Bugyal, Satal, and Awana Bugyal, suggests that the event could be caused by a glacial lake outburst, not just a cloudburst. He notes that the Harsil valley has experienced heavy rainfall for the past three days, and all the streams and tributaries from the hills of Srikant and Awana Bugyal are in spate. He suspects that old glacial debris in the Jhindra Bugyal area may have been dislodged and contributed to the flood. He believes we haven’t properly understood the nature and flow patterns of glaciers, bugyals, and the rivers that originate from these areas. Anoop Nautiyal, a social worker associated with the SDC Foundation, says that in our arrogance for development, we have tried to dwarf nature. We need to consider harmony with nature when planning development projects. If we move forward without understanding the reality of the Himalayan region, the situation will only get worse.
