Bhagirathi River

New Water Body Formation: A water body resembling a lake has formed on the Bhagirathi River near Harsil after a cloudburst in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The formation stretches over a kilometer and has prompted local authorities to initiate urgent drainage operations to prevent further disruption or damage.

About the Bhagirathi River:

• Location: The Bhagirathi River is a turbulent Himalayan river in the state of Uttarakhand, one of the primary headstreams of the Ganges River. It holds a prominent place in both hydrological and mythological contexts.

• Mythological Significance: In Hindu mythology, the Bhagirathi is considered the source stream of the Ganges, named after King Bhagirath, who is believed to have brought the river down to Earth.

• Hydrological Significance: While mythologically significant, in hydrology, it is the Alaknanda River that is regarded as the actual source of the Ganges, given its longer flow and larger contribution.

Course of the River:

• Origin: The Bhagirathi originates from the Gaumukh Glacier at the base of the Khatling and Gangotri Glaciers in the Garhwal Himalayas. The river is born from the melting of ice at the glacier's edge.

• Flow Path:

  • It travels through the Tehri Garhwal district, including the towns of Uttarkashi and Tehri, where it faces cliffs, rapids, and waterfalls.

  • It is joined by several tributaries, including the Kedar Ganga, Jadh Ganga, Kakora Gad, Jalandari Gad, Siyan Gad, Asi Ganga, and Bhilangana.

• Confluence: The Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda River at Devprayag, and together, they form the Ganges River, which then flows towards the Bay of Bengal.

Major Dams on the Bhagirathi River:

• Maneri Dam

• Koteshwar Dam

• Tehri Dam

These dams play a crucial role in controlling the river's flow, providing irrigation, and generating hydroelectric power.

Religious Significance:

• The confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag is one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, marking the origin of the Ganges River.

• Panch Prayag Yatra: This confluence is an integral part of the Panch Prayag Yatra, which includes visiting five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand:

  • Devprayag

  • Rudraprayag

  • Nandprayag

  • Karnaprayag

  • Vishnuprayag

• The banks of the Bhagirathi are dotted with sacred cities like Gangotri, which is the source of the river and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

Impact of Recent Events:

• The formation of the water body near Harsil after the cloudburst has raised concerns regarding potential disruptions to the delicate ecology and infrastructure around the river.