Tehri Dam Uttarakhand - Tallest dam of India, Its History & more

Tehri Dam is an altitude of 260.5m (855ft). It is known as the tallest dam in India and the 12th in the world. It is situated on the Bhagirathi River in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. It is also called a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam. Tehri Dam is the most valuable place, and it serves as the primary dam of THDC India Ltd. and the Tehri hydroelectric complex. In 2006, phase 1 was completed. The Tehri Dam is a reservoir for irrigation, municipal water supply, and hydroelectricity generation of 1,000 megawatts (1,300,000hp). The dam creates a reservoir of 3.54 cubic kilometers and a surface area of 52 square kilometers (20s square miles). It has an installed 1,000MW of pumped-storage hydroelectricity, which is currently under construction, with the expected commissioning of the first two units in 2023.

Attraction

Tehri Dam is a barrier of 260.5 m(855ft) made of rock and earth-fill. It stands as an architectural marvel and offers some exciting activities. There are some attractive adventure water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and water zorbing, and you can enjoy them with a jolly mind. You can experience this water sports against the serene water of the dam. The dam becomes a paradise for adventurous people by giving those adventure water sports. You can witness water overflow through the dam’s spillways during the rainy season. It provides you with a mesmerizing view. The dam area offers a presentable view, which can be appreciated for its vast construction. Tehri Dam is a place of adventure with natural beauty. It has clean water and a massive reservoir.
You can also enjoy boating and water activities including speed boats, water scooters, and water skiing by paying 300 INR per head.

History

Tehri Dam has a fascinating history. In 1961, the plan for the Tehri Dam project was taken out. During the ministry of Jawaharlal Nehru, the preliminary investigation was done. Finally, in 1972, the Dam’s design was fixed to envision a 600 MW power plant based on the study. After probability studies in 1978, the construction began. The project experienced a delay caused by financial, environmental, and social issues. When the USSR helped financially and technically in 1986, Political instability ruined this support. Later, the Irrigation Department of Uttar Pradesh in India started to maintain the project properly. The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) was commenced to control the Dam in 1988. It was funded by Uttar Pradesh, beared by 75% federal government and 25% state.

Inside/Outside Views

Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India and the 12th tallest dam in the world. It is a barrier made of rock and earth. It has a multi-purpose capacity. The height of the Tehri dam is 260.5 meters, and it houses the water from the Bhagirathi River. The length of the dam is 575 meters (1886 feet), the width is 20 meters (66 feet), and the base width is 1128 meters (3701 feet). In order to cover an area of 52 square kilometers (20 square miles), the dam creates a reservoir with a total capacity of 3.54 cubic kilometers (2,870,000 acre-feet). These water gauges have been used for various purposes, such as irrigation, municipal water supply, and generating 1000 megawatts. The leading powerhouse of the Tehri Dam has four generators. Each generator can produce 250 megawatts of power. These turbines use the energy of flowing water to produce electricity.

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest to Tehri, situated at 91km. Taxis and other vehicles are always available from Jolly Grant Airport to Tehri. It is well connected to Delhi and other areas of India. You can get a flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport every day. The airport is well connected by motorable roads with Tehri. You can go to the desired place from the airport using motor vehicles.

By Road: You can also reach Tehri by Road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Tehri offers terrific views of the Himalayan foothills and the Ganges River.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Tehri is Yog Nagri Rishikesh, 72 kilometers from New Tehri. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tehri from there. The journey from Rishikesh to New Tehri, which is well connected by motorable highways, typically takes around [insert travel time].

Tips for Travellers

You should check the weather forecast before your visit because the weather can vary. Wear comfortable clothes according to the season. It will require prior booking to do any adventure sports or activities. Follow safety rules given by the authorities. Try all local cuisines like Aloo Ke Gutke, Kachmauli, and Bal Mithai. Sunrise and sunset are the perfect time to take photos. Keep the place clean. Be Aware of the environment. To keep a serene experience, spend a night on the houseboat. Wear life jackets and follow your instructor while doing any water sports.