Uttarkashi, August 22 (HS):

A massive temporary lake formed on the Yamuna River has submerged Syanachatti, a crucial halt on the route to the world-famous Yamunotri shrine, sparking fear of devastation in downstream areas. Officials warn that if the lake bursts suddenly, it could unleash heavy flooding and large-scale destruction in lower regions.

The formation of the lake, nearly half a kilometer long and up to 300 meters wide, follows heavy rainfall and landslides in the region. Debris and boulders from streams near Kupda Gadhera on Thursday afternoon blocked the river’s flow, creating a dangerous accumulation of water. As a result, Syanachatti town, including houses, hotels, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam properties, and even basic and secondary schools, has sunk beneath the rising waters.

Authorities say the rising water level has also inundated the Yamunotri Highway’s motor bridge and much of the local settlement, which consists of nearly 30 houses and hotels. Surrounding villages—Kupda, Kunsala, Trikhli, and Ojri—are gripped by panic, while downstream communities such as Pujar, Kuthnaur, and Khardi face heightened risk if the lake breaches.

“With safety in mind, all houses and hotels in the affected area have been evacuated. Residents have been strictly advised to remain away from the danger zone,” said Uttarkashi District Magistrate Shant Arya. Rescue and relief teams, including SDRF, police, and district officials, monitored the situation throughout the night, while NDRF units with specialized equipment have been deployed to facilitate controlled release of water.

The administration has sounded an alert as far as Barkot, urging residents to stay cautious. For hundreds of families along the Yamuna’s banks, the specter of sudden flooding has become an overwhelming fear, with the thought of homes and livelihoods being swallowed by the rising lake waters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar