Explanations:The Tehri dam is a significant multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam located on the Bhagirathi River in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the highest dam in India and the 10th highest in the world, standing at a height of 260.5 meters. The dam was constructed to serve multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, water supply, and flood control.
The construction of the Tehri dam began in 1978 and was completed in 2006. The dam's reservoir, known as the Tehri Lake, has a capacity of 4.7 billion cubic meters. The dam's construction was a massive engineering project that involved the relocation of over 100 villages and the displacement of thousands of people. The submergence of these villages was a significant environmental and social impact of the dam's construction.
The Tehri dam is a critical component of the Bhagirathi Hydroelectric Project, which includes two power stations with a total installed capacity of 1,000 MW. The dam's reservoir also provides water for irrigation and domestic use in the region. Despite its benefits, the construction of the Tehri dam has been a subject of controversy due to the displacement of local communities and the environmental impact on the surrounding areas.
Understanding the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects like the Tehri dam is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations. It is important to recognize the balance between development and environmental conservation, as well as the social implications of such projects. The Tehri dam serves as a case study for the complex interplay between economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity.