Highest Dam In India: Name & Key Facts

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Hello! You've asked a great question about the highest dam in India. We're here to give you a clear, detailed, and accurate answer to your query.

Correct Answer

The Tehri Dam, located in Uttarakhand, is the highest dam in India.

Detailed Explanation

The Tehri Dam is not only the highest dam in India but also one of the tallest dams in the world. Its impressive structure and the engineering marvel behind it make it a significant landmark. Let's delve deeper into the details of why Tehri Dam holds this prestigious title and explore some key aspects of its construction, location, and importance.

Key Concepts

To understand the significance of the Tehri Dam, it's essential to grasp a few fundamental concepts:

  • Dam: A dam is a barrier constructed across a river or stream to hold back water and form a reservoir. Dams are built for various purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply.
  • Height of a Dam: The height of a dam is typically measured from the lowest point of the foundation to the crest or the top of the dam. This measurement determines the dam's capacity to hold water and its structural integrity.
  • Reservoir: A reservoir is an artificial lake created behind a dam. It stores water that can be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation.
  • Hydroelectric Power: Hydroelectric power is electricity generated by the force of moving water. Dams play a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation by providing a controlled flow of water to drive turbines.

Tehri Dam: An Overview

The Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand. It stands tall as a testament to modern engineering and plays a crucial role in the region's water and power supply.

  • Location: The dam is located near Tehri town in Uttarakhand, a state in the northern part of India known for its mountainous terrain and river systems. The Bhagirathi River, on which the dam is built, is a major tributary of the Ganges, one of India's most sacred rivers.
  • Height and Dimensions: The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and one of the tallest in the world. Its key dimensions include:
    • Height: Approximately 260.5 meters (855 feet)
    • Length: 575 meters (1,886 feet)
    • Width: Base width of 1,125 meters
  • Construction: The construction of the Tehri Dam was a massive undertaking involving complex engineering techniques and a large workforce. The dam is an earth and rock-fill embankment dam, which means it is constructed using compacted earth and rock materials. This type of dam is chosen for its stability and ability to withstand seismic activity, which is particularly important in the Himalayan region.

Historical Context and Construction

The concept of building a dam at Tehri was first proposed in 1961, but the actual construction began much later, in 1978. The project faced numerous challenges, including environmental concerns, displacement of local populations, and funding issues. Despite these hurdles, the dam was completed in 2006 and became fully operational.

The construction process involved several key stages:

  1. Site Preparation: The first step was to prepare the site by clearing the area and excavating the foundation. This involved removing vegetation, soil, and unstable rock formations.
  2. Diversion Tunnels: To facilitate construction, diversion tunnels were built to reroute the flow of the Bhagirathi River. This allowed the construction of the main dam structure in a dry riverbed.
  3. Embankment Construction: The dam's embankment was constructed by layering and compacting earth and rock materials. This process required careful planning and execution to ensure the dam's stability and impermeability.
  4. Spillways and Outlets: Spillways were constructed to release excess water from the reservoir, preventing the dam from overtopping. Outlets were built to control the flow of water for irrigation and power generation.
  5. Powerhouse Construction: An underground powerhouse was constructed to house the turbines and generators for hydroelectric power generation. This involved excavating large underground caverns and installing heavy machinery.
  6. Reservoir Impoundment: Once the dam structure was completed, the reservoir was gradually filled with water. This process required careful monitoring to ensure the dam's structural integrity.

Functions and Benefits of Tehri Dam

The Tehri Dam serves multiple purposes and offers several benefits to the region and the country:

  • Hydroelectric Power Generation: The primary purpose of the Tehri Dam is to generate hydroelectric power. The dam's underground powerhouse has a total installed capacity of 1,000 MW (megawatts). The power generated is supplied to the northern grid, contributing significantly to the region's electricity needs.
  • Irrigation: The reservoir created by the dam provides a reliable source of water for irrigation. Water is released from the reservoir to irrigate agricultural lands in the downstream areas, boosting agricultural productivity.
  • Water Supply: The Tehri Dam also provides drinking water to several cities and towns in the region, including Delhi. The reservoir stores water during the monsoon season, which can be released during the dry months to meet water demand.
  • Flood Control: The dam helps in controlling floods by storing excess water during heavy rainfall events. This prevents downstream areas from being inundated and reduces the risk of flood damage.
  • Tourism and Recreation: The Tehri Dam and the reservoir have become popular tourist destinations. The scenic beauty of the area and the water sports facilities attract visitors, boosting the local economy.

Environmental and Social Considerations

The construction of the Tehri Dam was not without its challenges and controversies. The project faced significant environmental and social concerns:

  • Displacement of People: The construction of the dam and the creation of the reservoir resulted in the displacement of thousands of people. Several villages and towns were submerged, and the residents had to be relocated. The rehabilitation of these displaced communities was a major challenge.
  • Environmental Impact: The damming of the Bhagirathi River had significant environmental impacts. The submergence of forests and agricultural lands led to the loss of biodiversity and affected the ecosystem. Concerns were also raised about the potential for seismic activity in the region.
  • Sedimentation: The reservoir is prone to sedimentation, which can reduce its storage capacity over time. Sedimentation occurs when silt and other materials carried by the river settle in the reservoir. Measures are being taken to manage sedimentation and prolong the dam's lifespan.

Other Notable Dams in India

While the Tehri Dam is the highest, India has several other significant dams that play crucial roles in water resource management and power generation. Some notable dams include:

  • Bhakra Nangal Dam: Located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of the earliest and largest multipurpose river valley projects in India. It is a concrete gravity dam and stands at a height of about 226 meters.
  • Sardar Sarovar Dam: Situated on the Narmada River in Gujarat, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is one of the largest dams in India. It is a concrete gravity dam with a height of about 163 meters. The dam provides irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power to several states.
  • Indira Sagar Dam: Located on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, the Indira Sagar Dam is another major dam in India. It is a concrete gravity dam with a height of about 92 meters. The dam has a large reservoir and generates hydroelectric power.
  • Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Situated on the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the earliest major irrigation projects in India. It is a masonry dam with a height of about 124 meters.

Conclusion: The Significance of Tehri Dam

The Tehri Dam is a monumental achievement in Indian engineering and a vital infrastructure project for the region. It not only stands as the highest dam in India but also serves as a crucial resource for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, water supply, and flood control. Despite the challenges and controversies associated with its construction, the dam has made significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the region.

Key Takeaways

HereтАЩs a summary of the key points we've covered:

  • The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India, standing at approximately 260.5 meters (855 feet).
  • It is located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand.
  • The dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, water supply, and flood control.
  • The construction of the dam faced environmental and social challenges, including the displacement of people and environmental impacts.
  • India has several other significant dams, such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which play crucial roles in water resource management and power generation.

I hope this detailed explanation has answered your question thoroughly! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.