Lake formation imperils Uttarkashi residents

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, September 5

The formation of a lake following landslide triggered by incessant rain at the confluence of the Sonam river and Angar Nullah near the China border in Uttarkashi district has instilled fear among residents living downstream.

According to the district administration, it has been reported that around 70 or 80-metre wide lake has been formed due to the falling of debris in the Sonam river, blocking its flow near Tirpani. Recent cloudbursts resulted in boulders and huge mounds of mud falling into the Angar Nullah, blocking its flow and speeding up the formation of the lake in a month.

Due to the formation of the lake, the water level of the Sonam river has reduced drastically. It is triggering death of fish, say local residents. They believe that the lake is around three-metre deep and the water level is rising with the each passing day amid frequent rain.

Residents are of the opinion that the lake is a threat to the border roads and the bridge downstream. In case the sides of the lake cave in all of a sudden, the water level of the Bhagirathi river will rise to an alarming proportion. Officials of the Border Road Organisation, who have returned from the site, said the lake water, if its sides cave in, could inflict severe damage on several bridges and roads.

Uttarkashi District Magistrate Dipendra Chaudhary has directed a team of the administration and disaster management to inspect the site and submit a report.