Chamoli Valley Flood and its Impact on Hydro-Power Projects in The Uttrakhand

The 2021 Chamoli Valley flood began on 7 February 2021 in the environs of the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the outer Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand state, India. It is believed to have been caused by a landslide, an avalanche or a glacial lake outburst flood. It has caused flooding in the Chamoli district, most notably in the Rishiganga river, the Dhauliganga river, and in turn the Alaknanda – the major headstream of the Ganges. According to some reports, the flooding may have been caused by a portion of the Nanda Devi glacier breaking off early on 7 February,2021, releasing the water trapped behind the ice, and perhaps causing a glacial lake outburst flood. Whatever be the cause, it resulted in loss of life and damaged several bridges, barrages and hydro-power works in the valley.

In the present paper, Authors have studied the probable cause of the flood disaster with the help of satellite imageries and other sources. Impact of the flood on hydro-power development in the state has been discussed with figures and photographs.