Bhagirathi level rises in Uttarkashi, flood safety work hit, locals panicky

Ajay Ramola

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, June 19

The ongoing flood safety work at Kedar Ghat in Jad Bharat on the Joshiyara road has been disrupted due to the rise in the water level in the Bhagirathi in Uttarkashi, reportedly following melting of glaciers in the higher reaches of the district.

The water level in the Bhagirathi started rising around 11 pm yesterday submerging several JCB machines, tankers and dumpers engaged in the flood safety work. The work remained suspended even today due to intermittent rain. The water level in the river is rising continuously.

On the other hand, residents said the water level in the river rose after excess water was released from the Maneri Bhali power project phase 1. They added had the authorities issued an early warning, operators could have shifted their vehicles to a safer place.

Harish Dhapola, Executive Engineer, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), however, refuted the residents’ charge and said the melting of the glaciers in the higher reaches of the district had led to the situation. The Maneri Bhali Phase 1 project was a diversion dam, and, therefore, there was no question of releasing water from there. He said the district disaster management was immediately informed about the rise in the water level of the river.

Meanwhile, the situation has instilled fear among local residents, who are yet to come to terms with the 2013 tragedy. Uttarkashi had suffered immense damage in flash floods of 2013.

Local residents said the current situation reminded them of the fateful days of June 16 and 17 in 2013 when thousands of people were killed and as many went missing in flash floods.

They said as the monsoon was nearing, the authorities must take precautionary measures to prevent large scale damage to property and loss of lives once again.

Senior officials said they would look into the matter and enquire about the reasons behind the rise in the water level in the river. All preventive measures would be taken to ensure that no untoward incident takes place, they added.

Meanwhile, the rise in the water level has exposed the shoddy work being done on the banks of the river.