Uttarakhand: Tehri dam plans to halt power generation in June; scarcity of water may occur in UP, Delhi
Dehradun: In the coming months of June and July, the Tehri dam in Uttarakhand may shut down the electricity generation for around 45 days. According to the Tehri hydro development corporation limited (THDC), it is going to shut down the hydro power plant to start its two units of pump storage plant (PSP) between 1 June and 15 July.
UJVNL will also repair its plant
After this shut down, there is a possibility that Uttarakhand may not receive its share of 62 megawatts of electricity amid an already existing shortage of power. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) is also planning to repair its plant which will affect the production of 90 megawatts in the state. The state power corporation has been suffering power shortages in peak hours between 8-pm and 2 am. This shortage of 150 megawatts may add to the power woes in the state in these summer months. The state power corporation has been informed in this regard and asked to arrange the power supply from other sources.
Religious activities can get affected in Haridwar
During the shutdown of the Tehri Dam, reduced water release is expected from the reservoir made on Bhagirathi river. The reduced water level can affect religious activity in Haridwar. According to an irrigation department official, “We will ensure the proper supply of water on Har-ki-Pauri so that religious activity runs smoothly.”
Irrigation and drinking water supply may get affected in UP, Delhi and Haridwar
The Ganga canals meant for irrigation and drinking water facilities in Haridwar, western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi may also get affected due to the reduced flow of water in Ganga during shut down. In some areas of this region, up to 30 per cent of irrigation works are expected to be affected partially. After shutdown, twelve thousand cusecs of water flow in Ganga canal can be reduced to six thousand cusecs.
Tehri Dam plays a crucial role in water management and power generation
The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, plays a crucial role in water management and power generation. This tallest dam in India and the 13th tallest in the world serves multiple functions like it generates 1,400 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric power and gives irrigation support to 270,000 hectares (670,000 acres) of land in the Gangetic plains of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, it supplies around 300 cusecs of drinking water to Delhi (for approximately 40 lakh population) and 200 cusecs to Uttar Pradesh (for about 30 lakh population). “After the installation of these two PSPs (250-250 megawatt), Tehri dam will start producing 2400 megawatt electricity at the end of this year” said L P Joshi, executive director, THDC.