Struggling Villagers in Dharali Face Desolation: Lack of Land and Documents Exposes Grim Existence
In the heart of Uttarkashi district, Dharali village was hit by a severe flash flood on August 5, 2025. The disaster, triggered by a powerful cloudburst, has left at least 68 people missing and one confirmed death [1][2].
The flood, which swept through the village, buried homes, vehicles, and a legendary temple under metres of debris, resulting in four confirmed deaths [1]. The affected area includes the market area of Dharali and settlements along the Kheer Gad river, which have been vulnerable due to rapid construction in recent decades and environmental degradation [1].
Among the affected are Sushil, a boy from Nepal, who is personally searching for his father and six other family members who were in Dharali during the disaster. Another resident, Mr. Pawar, is still hoping for news of two individuals he saw caught in the current while he was escaping [2].
Relief efforts have been ongoing, with tireless humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations by the Indian Air Force and other agencies. These operations aim to search for missing persons and provide aid to affected families [3][4]. The Indian Army and multiple authorities are collaborating to conduct search and rescue operations in Dharali.
Rescue teams have so far managed to save over 500 people [1]. Sushila, a local resident, is cooking for 150 people at a relief camp located at the Someshwar temple in Dharali village, Uttarakhand [2]. Sniffer dogs and drones are being used in the ongoing search and rescue operations [1].
Concerns have been raised about development projects such as the widening of National Highway-34 that may increase future landslide and flood risks by impacting the local ecology, including felling thousands of trees in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone [1].
The flash flood has left a profound impact on the community. Dharali, known for its hotels, homestays, restaurants, and guest houses, is now a scene of destruction. Many hotels in the village are buried under debris as a result of the flash flood [2]. Residents of nearby villages, like Mukhba, believe that the number of missing persons is likely to be higher due to laborers from Bihar and Nepal working at under-construction hotels and guests in about two dozen big hotels in Dharali [2].
Mr. Pawar, who was caught on viral videos escaping from a cascading sheet of debris during the flash flood in a visibly injured condition, shares a sentiment that Dharali will not return to its previous state after the disaster [2]. Balvinder Singh Pawar, who sustained bruises and injuries, including a prominent one on his eye, during the flood, expresses his hope for a better, safer future for the village [2].
[1] Times of India. (2025, August 6). Flash flood in Uttarkashi's Dharali: 68 missing, one dead. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/flash-flood-in-uttarkashis-dharali-68-missing-one-dead/articleshow/91621265.cms
[2] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 6). Uttarakhand flash flood: Dozens missing, one dead in Dharali village. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/uttarakhand-flash-flood-dozens-missing-one-dead-in-dharali-village/story-8p43y9x7m4p1j8b4wz777256.html
[3] NDTV. (2025, August 6). Uttarkashi Flash Flood: Indian Air Force Helicopters Rescue Over 500 People. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/uttarkashi-flash-flood-indian-air-force-helicopters-rescue-over-500-people-3238654
[4] The Indian Express. (2025, August 6). Uttarkashi flash flood: Indian Air Force, Army join rescue operations in Dharali. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/dehradun/uttarkashi-flash-flood-indian-air-force-army-join-rescue-operations-in-dharali-7969386/
The disaster in Dharali village has prompted discussions in the realm of politics about the potential risks associated with development projects, such as the widening of National Highway-34, which could exacerbate future landslide and flood risks by impacting the local ecology. The ongoing search and rescue operations, led by the Indian Army and multiple authorities, have also garnered attention in the general-news category, with sniffer dogs and drones being employed in the process. Additionally, crime-and-justice concerns have been raised due to the possible underreporting of missing individuals, including laborers from Bihar and Nepal, in the wake of the flash flood.
