Source: NIE
Subject: Mapping
Context: Uttarakhand achieved a historic milestone as a 19-seater seaplane successfully completed trial landings on Tehri Lake, marking the start of a new era for regional connectivity.
About Tehri Lake:
What it is?
- Tehri Lake is one of the largest man-made lakes in Asia, formed by the impoundment of the Bhagirathi River by the Tehri Dam. It is a massive emerald-green reservoir that has evolved from a hydroelectric project into a premier destination for eco-tourism and adventure sports in Northern India.
Location:
- It is located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India. The lake is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level, nestled amidst the foothills of the Himalayas.
Origin and Source of Water
- Origin: The lake was created following the construction of the Tehri Dam, which necessitated the complete submergence of Old Tehri town. The project led to the relocation of the population to the modern, planned city of New Tehri.
- Source: The reservoir is primarily fed by the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers, which meet at the site of the dam.
Key Geographical Features
- Scale: The lake covers an expansive surface area of approximately 42 square kilometers, creating a dramatic landscape where water meets steep mountain ridges.
- Catchment Area: It possesses a vast catchment area that collects glacial meltwater and monsoon runoff from the high Himalayas.
- Hydro-geology: As a deep-water reservoir, it maintains a significant volume of water year-round, which is essential for both power generation and maintaining the stability required for seaplane landings.
Significance:
- The lake serves the Tehri Dam, which has a massive power generation capacity of 2,400 MW, supplying electricity to several states in North India.
- It is the centerpiece of Uttarakhand’s adventure tourism policy, hosting activities like jet skiing, paragliding, and now seaplane services, reducing travel time from major cities like Dehradun.
- The reservoir provides critical irrigation water to roughly 270,000 hectares of land and drinking water to millions in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
