No threat from new lake near Rishiganga: Geologists

DEHRADUN: Two days after it was reported that a 350-metre-long lake had formed near Rishiganga, where flash floods had occurred last Sunday, a two-member team of geologists from the Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University that trekked to the lake’s site said the lake has gradually started draining.


Naresh Rana, one of the geologists who had made a video pointing out the formation of the new lake, told TOI, “The good part is that with the lake gradually draining out, the chances of another flash flood are getting reduced.” A 17-member team comprising personnel of the disaster response force also set up camp at the site of the lake formation on Saturday.


Speaking to TOI on the issue, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, who received a briefing regarding the matter from state disaster response officials, said, “Initially, we had thought of finding a way to discharge the water of the lake, but now it is flowing out naturally. The lake now has a 25-metre wide opening and the water is coming out. It may take some time for the lake to clear as it also depends on weather conditions. We are alert on the issue and as of now, there is no need to panic.”

A team of scientists from DRDO and Dehradun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology will be submitting their preliminary report regarding their findings on the lake. On being asked about the threat from the lake, WIHG director Kalachand Sain said there was none at the moment but its monitoring should be done.