On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located?

The correct answer is Bhagirathi.

Key Points

• The Tehri Hydropower Complex is located on the Bhagirathi River, a major tributary of the Ganges in Uttarakhand, India.
• It is one of the largest hydropower projects in India, with a total installed capacity of 1,000 MW (Tehri Stage I), and additional capacities from its pumped storage and downstream projects.
• The project was developed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand.
• The Tehri Dam, part of the complex, is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill dam with a height of 260.5 meters, making it one of the highest dams in the world.
• This hydropower project contributes significantly to power generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply in northern India.

Additional Information

• Bhagirathi River:
  • It originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas and is considered one of the headstreams of the Ganges.
  • The Bhagirathi merges with the Alaknanda River at Devprayag to form the holy Ganges River.
• Tehri Dam:
  • It is a significant component of the Tehri Hydropower Complex and provides water for drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
  • The dam creates the Tehri Reservoir, which has a gross storage capacity of 3.54 billion cubic meters.
• Environmental Impact:
  • The construction of the Tehri Dam was controversial due to concerns about seismic activity in the region and the displacement of local communities.
  • Extensive rehabilitation and resettlement measures were undertaken to address the displacement of over 100,000 people.
• Pumped Storage Component:
  • The Tehri Hydropower Complex includes a 1,000 MW pumped storage scheme, which helps in meeting peak power demand by storing energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak periods.