Harnessing the immense gravitational energy of steep Himalayan rivers, Uttarakhand is a vital powerhouse of clean renewable hydroelectricity for India. Its dams and reservoirs represent monumental feats of civil and geotechnical engineering, chief among them the colossal Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River. Beyond generating power, these reservoirs have created vast turquoise inland lakes that are transforming the state into a premier hub for adventure watersports.
Tehri Dam: The Rock-Fill Colossus
Standing 260.5 meters high, the Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India and the fourth tallest in the world. Built to withstand maximum credible earthquakes (Zone V) with its flexible earth-and-rockfill design, it impounds the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers into a 42-sq-km emerald reservoir.
Tehri Lake Water Sports & Floating Huts
The massive Tehri Lake has become an international water tourism hub, offering jet skiing, speed boating, wakeboarding, parasailing, and unique eco-friendly floating houseboats with 360-degree views of Himalayan ridges.
Koteshwar Dam and Run-of-the-River Plants
Located 22 kilometers downstream of Tehri, the Koteshwar Dam (400 MW) acts as the balancing reservoir for the Tehri Hydro Power Complex, alongside run-of-the-river plants like Vishnuprayag and Srinagar.
Ramganga Dam (Kalagarh) and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Located on the southwestern boundary of Jim Corbett National Park, the Ramganga Dam (Kalagarh Dam) forms an extensive reservoir that provides drinking water to northern cities and creates prime wetland habitats for elephants, crocodiles, and thousands of migratory birds.