The Tehri Dam: India's Tallest Hydroelectric Marvel

Study Notes

The Tehri Dam and the Tallest Dam in India: The ऊंचा बांध

India's Tehri Dam, situated in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand, is a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. Often referred to as the "ऊंचा बांध," it holds the distinction of being the tallest dam in the country. The construction of this monumental project stretches back to the 1970s and is a hallmark of India's ambitious hydroelectric efforts.

The Tehri Dam's Role in Hydroelectricity

The Tehri Dam is part of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, an initiative aimed at harnessing the power of the Bhagirathi River and its tributaries. The dam's primary purpose is to generate hydroelectric power, and by 2022, it had an installed capacity of 1000 Megawatts. The power generated from the Tehri Dam supplies not only the northern states of India but also contributes to the national grid.

Technical Specifications

The Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose concrete gravity dam, standing 260.5 meters (855 feet) tall, with a length of 575 meters (1,886 feet). Its reservoir, known as the Tehri Lake, has the capacity to hold 240 billion cubic meters of water, making it the fifth-largest man-made reservoir in the world.

The dam features 21 turbines, with a capacity of 320 MW each, totaling 6,720 MW, which is planned to be expanded to 10,000 MW by 2028. The dam's power station is located at Dhaula, 7 km (4 mi) downstream of the Tehri Dam, and is connected by a 10 km (6 mi) long tunnel.

Challenges and Controversies

The construction of the Tehri Dam faced various challenges, including the displacement of more than 100,000 people, the relocation of the city of Tehri, and the potential for seismic activities as it is located in one of the world's most active seismic zones.

Moreover, the dam's construction led to the creation of Tehri Lake, which submerged the ancient Tehri fort and nearby historical sites. These issues led to widespread protests and a protracted legal battle before the project was finally given the go-ahead in 2003.

Benefits and Consequences

The Tehri Dam has brought numerous benefits to the region, including the generation of hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation. However, the displacement of people and the inundation of historical sites remains a contentious issue.

The dam has also played a crucial role in the conservation of the region's biodiversity. The Bhagirathi River, which is the dam's primary source, is home to numerous species of fish, including the critically endangered Himalayan mahseer.

In conclusion, the Tehri Dam is a marvel of engineering and a testament to India's ambitions in the realm of hydroelectric power. While it has brought numerous benefits to the region, it has also faced significant challenges and controversies. The dam serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in such endeavors and highlights the need for careful consideration of all stakeholders' interests.

Description

Explore the engineering feat of India's Tehri Dam, known as the 'ऊंचा बांध,' which stands as the country's tallest dam. Learn about its role in hydroelectricity, technical specifications, challenges faced during construction, and the benefits and consequences it brings to the region.