Tehri Lake

Summary

• Historic Milestone: Uttarakhand successfully completed trial landings of a 19-seater seaplane on Tehri Lake in April 2026, boosting regional connectivity.
• Geographical Origin: One of Asia’s largest man-made lakes, formed by the impoundment of the Bhagirathi River by the Tehri Dam.
• Water Source: Primarily fed by the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers.
• Scale: Covers a surface area of 42 square kilometers at an altitude of 1,700 meters in the Tehri Garhwal district.
• Significance: Transitioned from a purely hydroelectric reservoir to a hub for eco-tourism, adventure sports, and now, aerial water-connectivity.

Formation and Hydro-Power Context

Tehri Lake is the reservoir of the Tehri Dam, which is the tallest dam in India. The creation of the reservoir led to the complete submergence of the historical Old Tehri town, leading to the development of the planned city of New Tehri on the slopes above.

• Rivers: It is formed at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangna rivers.
• Dam Type: The impounding structure is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam.
• Glacial Feed: The water is primarily sourced from Himalayan glacial melt, ensuring the reservoir remains deep and stable throughout the year.

Seaplane Connectivity Milestone

The 2026 seaplane trials represent a major shift in Uttarakhand’s transport infrastructure under the regional connectivity schemes.

• Trial Details: A 19-seater seaplane utilized the lake’s vast, calm surface for landing and takeoff.
• Strategic Benefit: It reduces travel time between the plains (like Dehradun or Delhi) and the remote hilly districts of Garhwal, bypassing circuitous mountain roads.
• Technical Suitability: The lake’s depth and length (42 sq. km surface) provide the necessary “water-runway” required for safe amphibian aircraft operations.

Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub

Beyond its role in power generation (2,400 MW capacity), Tehri Lake has become the “water sports capital” of North India.

• Activities: It hosts the annual Tehri Lake Festival and offers jet skiing, paragliding over water, and houseboats.
• Ecological Impact: The massive water body has created a local micro-climate, influencing the flora and fauna of the surrounding Garhwal foothills.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Tehri Lake was formed by the impoundment of which primary river?

A) Alaknanda

B) Bhagirathi

C) Mandakini

D) Yamuna

Q2. Which two rivers meet at the site of the Tehri Dam to feed the reservoir?

A) Bhagirathi and Alaknanda

B) Bhagirathi and Bhilangna

C) Dhauliganga and Rishiganga

D) Mandakini and Nayar

Q3. What is the approximate surface area of Tehri Lake, which facilitates activities like seaplane landings?

A) 12 square kilometers

B) 25 square kilometers

C) 42 square kilometers

D) 60 square kilometers

Q4. The historical town that was completely submerged to create Tehri Lake is:

A) Srinagar (Garhwal)

B) Old Tehri

C) Devprayag

D) Rudraprayag

Q5. In April 2026, Tehri Lake made headlines for which specific transportation milestone?

A) Launch of India’s first underwater metro.

B) Successful trial landings of a 19-seater seaplane.

C) Completion of the world’s longest ropeway over water.

D) Launch of an electric solar-powered cruise ship to Haridwar.

Answers:

Q1: B | Q2: B | Q3: C | Q4: B | Q5: B