Explanation: The Tehri Dam is a 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 is part of a hydroelectric project that includes a power station with a capacity of 1,000 MW. The dam was constructed to provide hydroelectric power, irrigation, and water supply to the region.
The construction of the Tehri Dam has had significant social and environmental impacts. The dam's reservoir, which has a capacity of 2.64 billion cubic meters, submerged large areas of land, leading to the displacement of thousands of people. Specifically, the dam affected one town and 37 villages completely, and 88 villages partially. The displacement of these communities has led to significant social and economic challenges, including the need for resettlement and rehabilitation programs.
The Tehri Dam project has been a subject of controversy due to its environmental and social impacts. The submergence of the land has affected the local ecosystem, including the displacement of wildlife and the alteration of the river's natural flow. Additionally, the project has faced criticism for the inadequate compensation and rehabilitation of the displaced communities.
In contrast, the other options listed in the question are major dams located in different parts of India and do not have the specific impact on the Bhagirathi River and the local population as described in the question. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is located on the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and the Sardar Sarovar Dam is on the Narmada River in Gujarat. Each of these dams has its own unique characteristics and impacts, but they do not match the specific scenario described in the question.
Understanding the social and environmental impacts of large-scale hydroelectric projects like the Tehri Dam is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of such projects on local communities and ecosystems. The Tehri Dam serves as a case study for the complex interplay between development, environmental conservation, and social justice in the context of large infrastructure projects.