BAGESHWAR/DEHRADUN: The Shambhu river in Bageshwar’s Kunwari village has again formed an artificial lake, stretching approximately 2 sqkm, stirring anxiety about a looming disaster among the residents.
This resurgence of the sizable lake mirrors past occurrences in 2022 and 2023, where similar formations due to landslides blocking the river’s flow prompted swift administrative responses to mitigate potential flooding downstream.In the past, the authorities intervened swiftly, mobilising teams to unblock the river’s flow, averting threats to foothill settlements caused by landslides. During a routine tour of the Pinder valley, Kapkot block head Govind Singh Danu spotted the resurgence of the lake.
Shambhu lake size crossed 700sqm-mark last June
He immediately notified district officials. “A lake is once again forming in the Shambhu because of the continuing land erosion in Kunwari, which was affected by a disaster earlier. Numerous villages are at risk now,” Danu said. Originating in Bageshwar and converging with the Pindar river in Chamoli district, the Shambhu’s critical position underscores the potential impact of any breach.
Villages downstream, notably Armal, Tharali, and Narayanbagad in Chamoli, stand particularly vulnerable. Villagers note a significant expansion in the lake’s dimensions this time, surpassing the 700-sqm mark observed in June last year. Officials have assured they will take immediate action and dispatch teams to reopen the lake’s mouth and alleviate the threat. Kapkot sub-divisional magistrate Anurag Arya said, “We have received information about the lake. At present, it is difficult to say anything. An irrigation department team has been dispatched to the location. The situation will be fully assessed and e
This resurgence of the sizable lake mirrors past occurrences in 2022 and 2023, where similar formations due to landslides blocking the river’s flow prompted swift administrative responses to mitigate potential flooding downstream.In the past, the authorities intervened swiftly, mobilising teams to unblock the river’s flow, averting threats to foothill settlements caused by landslides. During a routine tour of the Pinder valley, Kapkot block head Govind Singh Danu spotted the resurgence of the lake.
Shambhu lake size crossed 700sqm-mark last June
He immediately notified district officials. “A lake is once again forming in the Shambhu because of the continuing land erosion in Kunwari, which was affected by a disaster earlier. Numerous villages are at risk now,” Danu said. Originating in Bageshwar and converging with the Pindar river in Chamoli district, the Shambhu’s critical position underscores the potential impact of any breach.
Villages downstream, notably Armal, Tharali, and Narayanbagad in Chamoli, stand particularly vulnerable. Villagers note a significant expansion in the lake’s dimensions this time, surpassing the 700-sqm mark observed in June last year. Officials have assured they will take immediate action and dispatch teams to reopen the lake’s mouth and alleviate the threat. Kapkot sub-divisional magistrate Anurag Arya said, “We have received information about the lake. At present, it is difficult to say anything. An irrigation department team has been dispatched to the location. The situation will be fully assessed and e