Uttarkashi, Aug. 12 -- Over a kilometre long lake-like water body has formed on the Bhagirathi river near Harsil following the August 5 cloudburst, prompting urgent drainage efforts by authorities to avert potential danger amid incessant rainfall in the region. The water body was created after debris and uprooted trees were carried downstream by the floodwaters from Kheer Ganga and Tel Gad blocking the river's natural flow. According to locals, the accumulation has also submerged the Harsil helipad. Garhwal commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that the irrigation department and Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd have begun clearing debris and removing fallen trees impeding the flow. "Work is underway to increase the drainage and prevent any rise in water levels," he said. Uttarkashi district magistrate Prashant Arya inspected the site on Monday morning and directed officials to ensure uninterrupted outflow from the lake. Arya also ordered the relocation of residents living along the riverbank to safer locations and asked officials to provide all necessary relief material to disaster-affected families. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said a lake had formed in Harsil after the cloudburst and it needs to be drained to ensure the safety of local residents....