Tehri Dam is certainly considered one among India`s maximum exceptional engineering feats, symbolizing innovation and sustainability. Situated at the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, it’s miles the tallest dam in India and the various maximum withinside the world, status at an outstanding peak of 260.five meters. This iconic shape is a multipurpose dam, gambling a important function in producing hydropower, imparting consuming water, and helping irrigation for millions.
Tehri Dam now no longer best gives renewable electricity however additionally enables in flood management, making sure protection for downstream areas all through heavy monsoons. It is a crucial asset for India`s electricity and water security. Additionally, the picturesque Tehri Lake fashioned with the aid of using the dam has come to be a famous visitor destination, attracting traffic from everywhere in the country.
Tehri Dam stands as a testomony to India’s cappotential to address electricity and water demanding situations even as contributing to sustainable improvement goals.
- Location and Geography
- History and Construction Timeline
- Engineering Specifications of Tehri Dam
- Tehri Dam Reservoir and Water Management
- Hydropower Generation at Tehri Dam
- Benefits of Tehri Dam
- Challenges and Controversies
- Tourism and Tehri Lake
- Safety Measures and Future Plans
- Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Location and Geography
1. Geographic Placement
Tehri Dam is positioned withinside the country of Uttarakhand, India, withinside the Tehri Garhwal district.
It lies withinside the Himalayan foothills, providing a strategic place for harnessing hydropower.
2. River Source
The dam is constructed at the Bhagirathi River, a substantial tributary of the Ganges.
The river`s fast-flowing nature makes it best for the development of Tehri Dam.
3. Proximity to Key Towns
Tehri Dam is near New Tehri, the executive capital of Tehri Garhwal.
The close by cities of Rishikesh and Dehradun make it available for vacationers and researchers.
4. Altitude
Situated at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, Tehri Dam enjoys a completely unique geographical benefit for water garage and flood control.
Its altitude additionally contributes to its capacity to generate excessive strength output.
5. Catchment Area
The dam`s widespread catchment vicinity spans throughout numerous river basins, making sure an enough water supply.
This contributes to its position as certainly considered one among the most important hydropower tasks in India.
6. Terrain and Landscape
Surrounded via way of means of mountainous terrain, the location gives a herbal benefit for dam construction.
The rugged panorama additionally makes it a picturesque vacation spot for eco-tourism.
7. Seismic Considerations
Being in a seismic zone, Tehri Dam become engineered with superior era to resist earthquakes.
This guarantees its protection and durability withinside the face of herbal challenges.
8. Climate Conditions
The dam reviews a temperate climate, with slight summers and cold winters.
Seasonal versions in rainfall notably have an impact on its water tiers and operations.
9. Biodiversity Around the Dam
The location round Tehri Dam hosts various plants and fauna, including ecological cost to its place.
Conservation efforts are in vicinity to defend the nearby flora and fauna and hold environmental balance.
History and Construction Timeline
| Year/Period | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Initial Proposal | The concept of Tehri Dam was proposed by M/s Survey of India to address water and power needs. |
| 1960s-1970s | Feasibility Studies | Detailed studies were conducted to evaluate the technical and environmental viability. |
| 1972 | Project Approval | The Indian government approved the construction of Tehri Dam after reviewing feasibility reports. |
| 1978 | Construction Begins | Work started under the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), facing multiple challenges. |
| 1980s | Funding Secured | Financial support was obtained from the World Bank and other sources for construction. |
| 1980s-1990s | Opposition and Protests | Environmentalists and local communities opposed the project, citing ecological and social issues. |
| 1990s | Resettlement Initiatives | Over 100,000 residents were displaced; significant efforts were made for rehabilitation. |
| 2006 | Construction Completion | The main structure was completed after decades of development and overcoming hurdles. |
| 2006-2007 | Inauguration and Operations | The dam was inaugurated, and it began operations in hydropower generation and water management. |
| Present | Legacy | Tehri Dam stands as a symbol of sustainable development, supporting power, water, and tourism. |
Engineering Specifications of Tehri Dam
1. Height of the Dam
Tehri Dam stands at an excellent peak of 260.five meters.
This makes it the tallest dam in India and one of the maximum withinside the world.
2. Length of the Dam
The general period of Tehri Dam is 575 meters.
Its tremendous shape spans throughout the Bhagirathi River, making sure surest water management.
3. Type of Construction
Tehri Dam is a rock and earth-fill embankment dam.
This layout guarantees balance and power to face up to monstrous water pressure.
4. Reservoir Capacity
The dam`s reservoir, Tehri Lake, has a complete garage potential of 4.zero cubic kilometers (km³).
It can keep sufficient water to deliver hundreds of thousands of human beings with consuming water.
five. Spillway Design
Tehri Dam is ready with superior spillways for managed water release.
This prevents overflow at some point of heavy monsoons and guarantees downstream protection.
6. Power Generation Capacity
The dam produces 1,000 MW of strength via its essential hydropower plant.
An extra four hundred MW is generated via its pumped-garage system.
7. Foundation and Base Width
Tehri Dam`s base width is designed to make sure balance and distribute weight evenly.
Its sturdy basis can resist seismic sports withinside the region.
8. Seismic Safety Features
Tehri Dam is built to bear earthquakes of as much as significance 8.4.
This is critical as it’s miles positioned in a seismically energetic zone.
9. Material Used for Construction
The dam became constructed the usage of hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of rock and earth material.
These substances make sure sturdiness and resistance to environmental stress.
10. Advanced Monitoring Systems
Tehri Dam functions real-time tracking structures to stumble on structural changes.
These structures decorate protection and make sure operational efficiency.
Tehri Dam Reservoir and Water Management
1. Vast Water Storage Capacity
The reservoir of Tehri Dam has a garage potential of 4.zero cubic kilometers, making it one in all India`s largest.
This gigantic potential guarantees enough water for a couple of uses, along with consuming, irrigation, and electricity era.
2. Reliable Drinking Water Supply
Tehri Dam offers consuming water to hundreds of thousands of humans in towns like Delhi and Agra.
Its reservoir is a lifeline for city water needs, making sure year-spherical availability.
3. Irrigation Support for Agriculture
The dam helps the irrigation of hundreds of hectares of farmland in close by states.
Tehri Dam allows improve agricultural productivity, in particular at some point of dry seasons.
4. Advanced Flood Control Measures
By controlling water discharge, the dam mitigates downstream flooding at some point of monsoons.
Tehri Dam performs a critical position in safeguarding lives and assets in inclined areas.
5. Sustainable Water Management
The reservoir is designed for most appropriate water utilization, balancing electricity era and irrigation needs.
Its control practices are aligned with sustainable aid use principles.
6. Reservoir Recharging Groundwater
The big water frame allows top off groundwater stages in surrounding regions.
This contributes to long-time period water safety for agriculture and home use.
7. Seasonal Flow Regulation
The dam regulates seasonal river flows, making sure constant water availability.
This balance blessings each agriculture and concrete water supply.
8. Preventing Water Scarcity During Droughts
The reservoir acts as a buffer, storing water to be used at some point of extended drought periods.
It guarantees that groups depending on the Bhagirathi River aren’t significantly impacted.
9. Contribution to Renewable Energy
Water saved withinside the reservoir powers hydroelectric turbines, generating easy strength.
This highlights how Tehri Dam integrates water control with sustainable strength production.
10. Supporting Tourism and Recreational Activities
The reservoir, referred to as Tehri Lake, draws travelers for boating, water sports, and different activities.
This dual-reason position complements the cost of Tehri Dam past water and electricity control.
Hydropower Generation at Tehri Dam
1. Primary Purpose: Power Generation
Tehri Dam is on the whole designed for hydropower era, contributing substantially to India`s renewable power capability.
The dam`s hydropower station affords smooth and sustainable power to northern India, lowering dependence on fossil fuels.
2. Installed Capacity
The general established energy capability at Tehri Dam is 1,four hundred MW, which include a 1,000 MW predominant hydropower plant and a four hundred MW pumped garage unit.
This big capability facilitates meet the power needs of the encompassing states and contributes to grid balance.
3. Hydroelectric Power Plant
The predominant energy station at Tehri Dam is a today’s hydroelectric facility.
The mills used withinside the plant convert the capacity power of saved water into electric power efficiently.
4. Pumped Storage System
Tehri Dam additionally makes use of a pumped-garage hydropower machine to optimize power production.
During low-call for periods, water is pumped lower back into the reservoir, making an allowance for fast energy era at some stage in height call for.
5. Clean and Renewable Energy
Tehri Dam performs a crucial function in India’s push in the direction of smooth and renewable power.
By producing hydropower, Tehri Dam reduces reliance on coal-primarily based totally energy plant life and lowers carbon emissions.
6. Electricity Distribution
The power produced at Tehri Dam is sent to numerous northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi.
This vast distribution guarantees that city and rural regions gain from steady and inexpensive electricity.
7. Storage and Water Flow Control
The garage of water at Tehri Dam permits managed water flow, optimizing hydropower era primarily based totally on call for.
The capability of the reservoir permits for higher control of water assets at some point of the year.
8. Year-Round Power Generation
Due to its big garage capability, Tehri Dam guarantees year-spherical energy era, unaffected with the aid of using seasonal versions in rainfall.
This balance facilitates keep a steady power deliver even at some stage in dry spells.
9. High Efficiency in Power Conversion
The mills at Tehri Dam are designed for excessive efficiency, making sure that the power from water is maximized.
The energy plant makes use of superior era to lessen power losses and enhance ordinary efficiency.
10. Role in National Energy Security
Tehri Dam performs a vital function in bolstering India`s power protection with the aid of using imparting a enormous quantity of hydroelectric energy.
With its renewable energy production, the dam contributes to the nation’s power mix, helping monetary boom and development.
Benefits of Tehri Dam
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Multipurpose Utility | Tehri Dam serves multiple purposes, including power generation, water supply, irrigation, and flood control. |
| Pumped Storage Capacity | The pumped-storage system allows efficient management of energy production during peak and off-peak hours. |
| Job Creation | The construction and ongoing maintenance of the dam provide employment opportunities for local communities. |
| Support for Industrial Growth | The reliable supply of electricity from Tehri Dam supports industrial growth and development in the region. |
| Environmental Management | The dam helps in managing water resources in the region, promoting sustainable development and use of natural resources. |
| Reduction in Water Scarcity | Tehri Dam helps mitigate water scarcity issues in arid regions by ensuring a steady water supply for agricultural and domestic needs. |
| Advanced Technology Integration | Tehri Dam incorporates advanced hydropower technology, optimizing energy efficiency and water management systems. |
| Improved Infrastructure | The development of Tehri Dam has led to improved infrastructure in the region, including roads, communication systems, and transportation networks. |
| Regional Connectivity | Enhanced connectivity to surrounding areas due to improved infrastructure and the development of tourism-related activities. |
| Climate Resilience | The dam’s capacity to store water allows for better adaptation to climate variations, helping maintain consistent water supply and power generation. |
Challenges and Controversies
1. Resettlement Issues
Over 100,000 humans have been displaced because of the development of Tehri Dam.
The pressured resettlement caused sizable socio-financial demanding situations for the affected groups, with many nevertheless traumatic honest repayment and rehabilitation.
2. Environmental Concerns
Tehri Dam`s production submerged significant stretches of forests, flora and fauna habitats, and agricultural land.
This ended in a lack of biodiversity and adjusted the neighborhood ecosystem, elevating issues amongst environmentalists approximately long-time period ecological damage.
3. Seismic Risk
Tehri Dam is positioned in a seismically lively region, making it susceptible to earthquakes.
Although designed to resist seismic events, the capability threat of a dam failure because of an earthquake stays a factor of competition for critics.
4. Social Disruptions
The production of Tehri Dam has disrupted conventional existence and livelihoods.
The lack of agricultural land and fisheries has left many neighborhood groups suffering to conform to new sorts of livelihood, developing long-time period social demanding situations.
5. Opposition from Activists
Environmentalists and activists, like Sunderlal Bahuguna, strongly hostile the development of Tehri Dam, bringing up environmental and social issues.
They campaigned for opportunity answers that might now no longer reason huge-scale displacement or damage the environment.
6. Water Quality Concerns
The huge reservoir created with the aid of using Tehri Dam is at risk of water exceptional problems along with silting and pollution.
Maintaining easy water requirements has been a consistent mission for the government dealing with Tehri Dam and its reservoir.
7. Political Controversies
The dam’s production manner has been mired in political disputes and delays.
Different country governments and political events have had conflicting perspectives at the undertaking’s benefits, ensuing in a loss of consensus and delivered bureaucratic hurdles.
8. Cost Overruns and Delays
Tehri Dam confronted sizable price overruns and delays throughout its production, which spanned numerous decades.
Initial projections have been a long way exceeded, main to criticisms of inefficient undertaking control and improved economic strain.
Tourism and Tehri Lake
1. Scenic Beauty of Tehri Lake
Tehri Lake, normal thru the Tehri Dam, offers enthralling views surrounded thru the majestic Himalayan mountains.
The easy blue water and high-priced greenery create a remarkable natural escape, attracting nature lovers and photographers.
2. Adventure Sports and Activities
The lake is a hub for water sports activities, which includes boating, jet-skiing, and kayaking.
Visitors to Tehri Dam can also experience paragliding, which offers a interesting aerial view of the entire region.
3. Tehri Lake Festival
The Tehri Lake Festival is an annual event that celebrates community culture, music, and adventure sports activities.
It draws huge crowds, presenting a mixture of festivities and tourism sports activities throughout the Tehri Dam region.
4. Boating and Cruise Tours
Boating is one of the top factors of hobby at Tehri Lake, with visitors taking element in exciting boat rides on the expansive waters.
Private cruises offer a extra terrific revel in, allowing travelers to find out the beauty surrounding Tehri Dam.
5. Camping and Outdoor Activities
The regions spherical Tehri Dam are best for camping, presenting an opportunity to hook up with nature.
Many tour operators put together guided treks and outdoor sports activities near Tehri Dam for adventure lovers.
6. Trekking and Hiking Trails
Several trekking trails surround the Tehri Dam, offering adventurous paths for hiking and exploration.
The terrain is right for every beginners and professional trekker, with routes primary to lovable viewpoints and waterfalls.
7. Photography and Nature Walks
The surrounding natural beauty, which includes the Bhagirathi River and nearby hills, makes Tehri Dam a photographer`s paradise.
Nature walks throughout the lake and the dam allow visitors to immerse themselves withinside the pristine environment.
8. Local Cuisine and Dining Options
Tourists can find out the community cuisine, which includes Garhwali dishes, which reflect the rich cultural ancient beyond of the region.
There are severa cafes and ingesting locations spherical Tehri Lake wherein visitors can lighten up and experience traditional food after exploring Tehri Dam.
9. Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Efforts to hold inexperienced tourism practices spherical Tehri Lake have been undertaken, with easy-up drives and reputation programs.
The focus is on promoting responsible tourism at the same time as preserving the natural beauty of the region spherical Tehri Dam.
10. Accessibility and Infrastructure
Tehri Dam and the lake are with out trouble handy thru road, with awesome connectivity from essential towns like Dehradun and Rishikesh.
The growing infrastructure throughout the dam makes it an increasing number of greater accessible for travelers to visit and revel in all the offerings of the Tehri Dam region.
Safety Measures and Future Plans
| Safety Measure | Details |
|---|---|
| Seismic Safety | The Tehri Dam is designed to withstand earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.4 due to its location in a seismically active zone. |
| Regular Inspections | Periodic inspections and maintenance are carried out to ensure structural integrity and safety. |
| Dam Surveillance | Advanced surveillance systems, including remote sensing and monitoring devices, are used to track the dam’s health. |
| Flood Control Mechanism | The dam has a robust flood control system to manage excessive rainfall and prevent downstream flooding. |
| Emergency Preparedness Plans | Detailed emergency response plans are in place to handle situations such as structural failure or natural disasters. |
| Monitoring of Reservoir Levels | Regular monitoring of water levels in the Tehri Dam reservoir ensures optimal water storage and early detection of potential issues. |
| Public Awareness Programs | Local communities are educated about the safety protocols and risks associated with living near the Tehri Dam. |
| Enhanced Dam Safety Technology | Plans to install new safety technologies, such as smart sensors, for better real-time data collection. |
| Future Dam Upgrades | Ongoing upgrades to increase the dam’s power generation efficiency and water storage capacity. |
| Sustainability and Environmental Safety | Future plans focus on ensuring the Tehri Dam operates sustainably with minimal environmental impact. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is special about Tehri Dam?
The Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in New Tehri, Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, India. With a height of 260.5 m (855 ft), it is the tallest dam in India and the 13th-tallest dam in the world. It is the primary dam of THDC
2. What is the drawback of Tehri Dam?
The Tehri Dam is located in a Seismic fault zone in the central Himalayas which is more prone to the occurrence of earthquakes also the pressure of the huge structure of dam and reservoir water is only adding to the fault.
3.How much water can Tehri Dam hold?
The Tehri dam, a 260.5 m-high earth and rockfill dam, impounds water 44 km along Bhagirathi River and 25 km along Bhilangana River, creating a dead storage of 925 Mm3 and live storage of 2,615 Mm3, making a total storage capacity of 3,540 Mm3. Impoundment commenced in 2005.
4.Why is Tehri famous?
Tehri Dam. Tehri dam is renowned as the largest and highest dam in Asia and is considered as the 10th tallest dam in the world harnessing water from Bhilangana and Bhagirathi, the two essential rivers in the Himalayas.
5.What are the effects of dams?
Dams alter aquatic ecology and river hydrology upstream and downstream, affecting water quality, quantity and breeding grounds (Helland-Hansen et al., 1995). They create novel and artificial types of aquatic environment for the life span of the dam.
