Asia's largest dam to be unveiled
Despite several hiccups, authorities have completed the construction of Asia's highest dam - Tehri - but suspense grew over the
commissioning of its first phase.
Built at a cost of more than Rs 6,000 crore on the Bhagirathi river in Tehri district of Uttaranchal, the dam authorities are now mulling over the question of the commission of the first phase (1,000 MW) of the controversial 2,400 MW project, which depends on the closure of T-2 tunnel, which is mandatory to fill the reservoir.
The cost of the dam is being shared by 75:25 (equity proportion) by the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government.
Top officials of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), the implementing agency of the hydel project, remained skeptical about the commissioning date but expressed the hope that the T-2 tunnel would be closed by September-October this year.
When contacted, Tehri district magistrate Punit Kansal said the date of the commissioning of the first phase is yet to be announced.
The construction of 260.5 metre dam, which is at a height of 840 metres from sea level, was completed in March this year.
"We have completed almost all the civil work of the dam. Only shaft spillway is yet to be constructed which can be done if the T-2 tunnel is closed," assistant general manager of Tehri dam, BS Bisht said.
Hopes of the commissioning of the first phase of the multi-purpose dam had soared in July 2004 following a sudden rise in water level of Bhagirathi river that inundated several parts of old Tehri town.
Following heavy floods, the authorities swung into action and evacuated all those people who were battling for a better rehabilitation package and prepared grounds for the early commissioning of the project.
