Union Home Secretary reviews status of artificial lake formed in wake of avalanche incident in Chamoli district on February 7

The Union Home Secretary chaired another meeting today to review the status of the artificial lake which has formed in the wake of the avalanche incident in the upper catchment of the Rishiganga River in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand.

Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand who joined the meeting through Video Conference along with his team, informed that based on the physical assessment of the artificial lake made on site by multiple scientific agencies and satellite data, there is no imminent danger as the volume of water is less than expected and is flowing through a natural channel which has been widened. The Union Home Secretary reviewed the action being taken to allow for more flow to the water and removal of some obstructions which have formed at the site of the artificial lake. Secretary DRDO and the State administration have been asked to keep a continued watch on the situation in coordination with Central and State agencies. The Union Home Secretary also assured continued help and assistance from Central agencies to the State Government as and when required by them to handle the situation arising out of the temporary obstruction.

The meeting was also attended by DG ITBP, Member Secretary of NDMA, DG NDRF, Chairman DRDO, senior officials of the Ministry of Power, Officers from the IDS Headquarters, and scientists from various Central agencies along with other senior officers of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.