A rise in the water level of a landslide-formed lake on the Shambhu river has submerged the cremation ground serving Kuwari in Bageshwar district’s Kapkot tehsil. Residents are now facing difficulty carrying out last rites in the area.
An administration and irrigation department team inspected the site after receiving information about the situation. The inspection found that water was still flowing out of the lake, although ongoing landslide activity meant the danger had not ended.
Inspection finds an 800-metre lake
The inspection committee measured the lake at about 800 metres in length. It also found debris spread across roughly 250 metres below the lake’s outlet.
The committee included the Kapkot tehsildar, Bageshwar’s assistant geologist, the assistant engineer and junior engineer of the Kapkot irrigation division, Kapkot’s revenue inspector and the revenue sub-inspector of Badishakot.
The Shambhu river has repeatedly developed lakes in the Kuwari area since 2013 because of landslides. The latest inspection confirmed that the slope movement in the area remains active, keeping the risk in place even though the lake is currently draining.
Temporary clearance and long-term study proposed
The committee said removing accumulated debris could improve drainage as an immediate measure. It also recommended using labourers and modern machinery to clear the material from the lake.
However, the committee cautioned that debris removal alone would not permanently resolve the recurring problem. It recommended a detailed technical assessment by a specialist agency to examine ways to stabilise the landslide zone and prevent similar lakes from forming in the future.
ULMMC Dehradun and THDC were suggested as institutions that could undertake the technical investigation. The recommendation reflects the need to study both the unstable slope and the repeated obstruction of the river channel.
Satellite study assessed downstream flood risk
Scientists from ISRO’s NRSC have also studied the lake and landslide conditions in Kuwari. That assessment used satellite information covering 2013 to 2025, Sentinel-1 radar data and field surveys.
The study also examined the possibility of flooding downstream if the lake were to breach. This makes continued monitoring important for areas located below the lake, although the available findings do not state that a breach has occurred.
For residents of Kuwari, the immediate problem is access to the submerged cremation ground. The broader concern is the continuing landslide activity and the possibility that further debris could affect drainage from the lake.
Conclusion
The lake is draining at present, but the submerged cremation ground and active landslide show that Kuwari still faces a serious local hazard. Debris clearance and a specialist technical study have been recommended as the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is the affected lake located?
The lake has formed on the Shambhu river in the Kuwari area of Kapkot tehsil, Bageshwar district.
Q. What has happened to the cremation ground?
The rising lake water has submerged the local cremation ground, creating difficulties for residents conducting last rites.
Q. Is water currently leaving the lake?
Yes. The inspection team found that water was still draining from the lake.
Q. How large is the lake?
The inspection committee found the lake to be about 800 metres long.
Q. What has caused the recurring lake formation?
Landslides have caused repeated lake formation in the Shambhu river area since 2013.
Q. What immediate action has been recommended?
The committee recommended removing accumulated debris with labourers and modern machinery to improve water drainage.
Q. What is proposed as a permanent solution?
A specialist agency has been recommended to investigate landslide control and ways to prevent future lake formation.
Q. Which institutions have been suggested for technical assessment?
ULMMC Dehradun and THDC have been suggested for the technical investigation.
Q. Has the area been studied previously?
Yes. ISRO’s NRSC scientists studied the lake and landslide conditions using satellite data from 2013 to 2025, Sentinel-1 radar data and field surveys.
