Dehradun, Aug. 24 -- Garhwal Post Bureau

DEHRADUN, 23 Aug: After days of mounting anxiety and disruption, residents of Syana Chatti in Uttarkashi district have finally received a measure of relief as the artificial lake formed in the Yamuna river began to drain on Saturday, following a successful controlled blasting operation. The lake, which was formed as a result of heavy rainfall and debris from the Kupada ravine blocking the river's natural flow, had inundated the Yamunotri highway and submerged several hotels, homes, and public infrastructure, paralysing movement and triggering widespread concern.

The district administration, led by District Magistrate Prashant Arya, undertook a delicate operation to breach the lake's mouth without...