Lucknow: The Himalayas, celebrated for their beauty, can also be harsh and unpredictable. The recent cloudburst in Dharali, Uttarkashi district, is a stark reminder of this fragility. On August 5, 2025, a torrent of water, rocks, and debris swept away much of the town in just 47 seconds, leaving over 500 people missing, including soldiers. The devastation erased homes, hotels, and livelihoods across more than 20 acres.
Residents, migrant workers, and tourists were among those swept away. Rescue efforts by the Army, NDRF, and SDRF have faced severe challenges from ongoing rains and damaged infrastructure.
Uttarkashi has a history of disasters, the 1976 floods, 1983 Gyansu flash floods, 1991 earthquake, and 2000 Varun-Vat mountain submergence many worsened by human interference, deforestation, unsafe settlements, and ill-planned construction. Traditional architecture, using local wood, mud, and stone, has shown resilience, unlike modern concrete buildings.
Environmentalists like Sunderlal Bahuguna long warned against reckless exploitation. Yet large projects, road construction without adequate safeguards, and settlement on unstable slopes persist. Experts stress the need for development guided by geological, hydrological, and seismic studies, as well as community preparedness.
Balancing progress with conservation, and respecting nature’s limits, is essential if the Himalayas are to remain both awe-inspiring and safe for future generations.
Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Response to the Dharali Disaster
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the flood-affected Dharali area soon after the August 5 cloudburst. Braving difficult weather and road conditions, he met survivors, offered condolences, and promised full state support. Dhami coordinated directly with the Army, NDRF, and SDRF to speed up rescue operations. He announced immediate financial relief for affected families and the establishment of a rehabilitation monitoring committee. Dhami emphasized that the state government’s priority is to locate missing persons, restore essential services, and provide safe shelter for displaced residents. In his statement, the Chief Minister also called for reviewing infrastructure and settlement planning in disaster-prone Himalayan zones, stressing the importance of sustainable development. He urged citizens, officials, and experts to work together to protect Uttarakhand’s environment while ensuring safety for its communities.
