‘My 40-room hotel flowed away like a leaf’: Uttarkashi hotelier cheats death because he was at nearby temple
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand – August 2025
On a quiet morning in Uttarkashi, hotelier Rajesh Rawat, 52, left his riverside property to visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple, following a personal ritual of morning prayers. That spiritual decision likely saved his life.
While he was inside the temple, dark clouds gathered, and torrential rains unleashed a powerful flash flood. Within minutes, his 40-room hotel — a result of nearly two decades of hard work — turned into debris and disappeared downstream.
“I watched it disappear like a leaf on water”
Rawat recalled the terrifying moment. “I had just stepped out of the temple after the aarti when people began screaming,” he said. “I ran toward the riverside and saw the hotel crumble and flow away. It was like watching a leaf vanish into the current.”
The Assi Ganga River swelled violently, submerging everything in its path. His hotel was the first large structure the floodwaters claimed. Local residents watched in horror as the once-busy hotel dissolved in the chaos.
A Lifetime of Work, Gone in Moments
In 2006, Rawat launched the hotel using savings from his years in the tourism industry. Over time, his property became a trusted stopover for pilgrims and trekkers heading to Gangotri. The hotel wasn’t just a business; it symbolized his life’s effort and resilience.
“We had guests just a day before,” he said, his voice trembling. “Luckily, I’d paused bookings due to heavy rain warnings. If not, many lives would’ve been at risk.”
His wife and son, frequent contributors to hotel operations, had left for Dehradun two days earlier. That fortunate timing kept them safe from the disaster.
A Temple That Offered More Than Blessings
The ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which has survived centuries of natural calamities, once again stood strong during the floods. While homes and shops around it faced destruction, the temple remained untouched — and for Rawat, it became a life-saving sanctuary.
“Something held me back that day,” he said. “If I had stayed in the hotel, I wouldn’t be alive now. I’ve lost everything material, but I’m still breathing. That itself is a blessing.”
Shops near the temple quickly shut down as the water levels rose. Shopkeeper Sunita Devi described the chaos: “The river rose faster than ever before. We had no time to gather anything. People just ran.”
Uttarkashi in Shock
Rawat is one of many facing the aftermath of this devastating natural event. Floodwaters damaged several homes, hotels, and shops across the district. As per official reports, at least 14 people are missing, with rescue operations underway in nearby villages.
Relief teams, including the Indian Army and SDRF, acted swiftly. Helicopters dropped food and water into isolated zones. Medical teams treated the injured, while temporary camps housed displaced families.
Despite the destruction, survivors like Rawat have become beacons of hope, reminding others that life can still be rebuilt.
“Where Do I Even Begin?”
Standing by the muddy riverbank, Rawat pointed to the empty space that once held his hotel. “There was a garden, a prayer room, and a small office. Now, nothing remains.”
He currently stays in a relief camp, relying on donated supplies and support from neighbors. Rebuilding remains uncertain, both emotionally and financially.
“This wasn’t just concrete and bricks. I raised this hotel like a child,” he said. “Starting again feels impossible, but maybe I’ll try — perhaps at a safer place.”
The Larger Threat: A Fragile Himalaya
Climate experts are raising concerns over increasing weather extremes in Himalayan states like Uttarakhand. Flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts have become more frequent. Unregulated construction and deforestation have further weakened the mountain ecosystem.
“Mountains are delicate environments,” explained geologist Dr. Neha Rathi. “Building close to rivers or on loose slopes increases disaster risk. Urgent reforms are needed to prevent such tragedies.”
Rawat echoed that view. “We were never warned about the dangers back then. We just wanted to build something meaningful.”
Faith, Loss, and Survival
As dusk falls in Uttarkashi, Rawat sits quietly at the camp, holding a small cloth bag. Inside are just a few clothes, an old photograph of his parents, and a tiny idol of Lord Shiva — all that remains of his previous life.
“Everything else is gone,” he said softly. “But maybe I’ve been given a second chance — not just to mourn the loss but to find a new way forward.”
