The Dhauliganga flood of February 7, 2021, was a masterclass in the “Hazard Cascade” phenomenon. Occurring in the dead of winter—when glacial rivers are at their lowest and skies are clear—this disaster claimed 204 lives and devastated the Rishiganga (13.2 MW) and Tapovan (520 MW) hydropower projects.
Search Results for: 2021 Dhauliganga floods
The Unlearned Lessons of the Himalayas: From Dhauliganga to Dharali, a Blueprint for Survival
Moving ahead from Dharali, this is a blueprint for survival which paves way for proactive anticipation and mitigation of Himalayan hazards by integrating science, traditional knowledge, and responsible development.
Demystifying 2021 Uttarakhand Flood
Detailed fieldwork in the catchment of Dhauliganga and Rishiganga rivers after 2021 Uttarakhand flood revealed multiple intermittent damming along the river course to be responsible for accumulating enough water to cause devastating floods that killed 204 persons, and devastated two hydropower projects of 13.2, and 520 MW capacity at Rini and Tapovan respectively.
Uttarakhand’s Monsoon Disasters: The Real Killer Is Not the Rain
From the tragic floods at Dharali to the devastation in Tharali, this is not a story of natural fury alone and here we uncover the systemic human failures that amplified the 2025 monsoon’s destruction and reveal a blueprint for a safer, more resilient Uttarakhand.
Ground subsidence around Joshimath
Habitations have come into existence, primarily as a consequence of basic human urge to socialise and stay together, perhaps for safety and security, more than anything else. It is around these settlements that humans started various livelihood chores including agriculture, hunting and gathering. Settlements in the hills Agriculture being the primary economic activity in the […]
The 2026 Disaster Sentinel: The Arterial Integrity
Is your city a ‘Logistical Black Hole’? We dive deep into the ‘Single-Artery Syndrome’ that threatens Himalayan urban stability. From the science of ‘Topology Optimization’ to the life-saving ‘Reverse-Commute’ hack, learn how to spot an active slope before it cuts your lifeline. In the mountains, redundancy isn’t just a strategy—it’s survival.
India’s Deluge: From Ancient Harmony to a Modern Flood Crisis
Climate change and unplanned urbanisation are exacerbating flood impact and the situation calls for reviewing and redefining our flood management strategy.
The Ticking Geomorphic Time Bomb: A Blueprint for Safety from Himalayan Landslide Lakes
Beyond the headlines of Dharali and Chisoti, remember that the Himalayas’ landslide lakes are ticking time bomb—and our current approach to safety is dangerously outdated.
The Chisoti Cataclysm: A Clarion Call for a New Era of Himalayan Safety
Cataclysms of Dharali and Chisoti are tragic lessons. These are not just about rain; these are about a ticking time bomb in the glaciers, and our failure to act.
Climate Change and Disaster Management in Uttarakhand
Climate change impacts are a major challenge for disaster management professionals, and more so in the Himalayan region where the stakes are high and changes are irreversible.