Tehri Garhwal District preserves the sovereign lineage of the Tehri Riyasat. Following the construction of India’s highest dam, the planned modern hill town of New Tehri was built atop the ridge overlooking the 42 km² Tehri Lake.
1. Administrative Overview & Structure
Governed under the jurisdiction of the District Magistrate and Collector, Tehri Garhwal District functions as an essential administrative constituent of Garhwal Division. The district administration coordinates law and order, land revenue records, panchayati raj rural governance, civic utilities, disaster preparedness, and tourism infrastructure.
Official Collectorate & Administration:
District Headquarters: New Tehri | Division: Garhwal Division | Total Tehsils: 6
Tehsils and Sub-Divisions
The district is administratively subdivided into the following tehsils for revenue collection and executive administration:
Community Development Blocks
Rural grassroots development and Panchayati Raj schemes are implemented through the following development blocks:
2. Geography, Rivers & Climate
The physical landscape of Tehri Garhwal District exhibits remarkable topographical diversity. Ranging across mountain ridges, deep river gorges, and fertile valleys, it plays a vital ecological role in the central Himalayan hydrological network.
Major River Systems: The principal rivers and perennial tributaries draining the district include Bhagirathi, Bhilangna, Alaknanda, Henval, supporting mountain agriculture and vital water reservoirs.
3. Census Demographics & Economy
According to the Census of India, Tehri Garhwal District records a total population of 618,931 (Census 2011) and an impressive literacy rate of 76.36%. The local economy is driven primarily by eco-tourism, religious pilgrimage, organic terrace farming, horticulture (apples, pears, walnuts, and citrus fruits), forest produce, and expanding service sectors.
4. Key Attractions & Tourism Highlights
Tehri Garhwal District shelters some of Uttarakhand's most iconic natural and cultural landmarks:
Must-Visit Destinations in this Region:
Tehri Dam & Water Sports Lake, Surkanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti Eco Park, Devprayag Sangam, Narendra Nagar Palace, Kempty Falls (upper reach)
5. Transportation & Accessibility
The district is connected to major transport hubs across northern India via key national highways including NH 7, NH 34, NH 534, state highways, and regional mountain motor roads. Regular bus services operated by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC), shared cabs, and private taxis ensure smooth connectivity.
6. District Administrative Factsheet
| Administrative Attribute | Official Specification |
|---|---|
| District Name | Tehri Garhwal District |
| Administrative Division | Garhwal Division |
| District Headquarters | New Tehri |
| Total Land Area | 3,642 km² |
| Census Population | 618,931 (Census 2011) |
| Literacy Rate | 76.36% |
| Key Highways | NH 7, NH 34, NH 534 |
| Major Rivers | Bhagirathi, Bhilangna, Alaknanda, Henval |