The Bhakra Dam is a significant engineering marvel situated on the Sutlej River in the northern Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It is one of the tallest dams in India and plays a vital role in water management, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. Here are some key details about the Bhakra Dam:
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Construction: The construction of the Bhakra Dam began in 1948 and was completed in 1963. It was a joint venture between the Government of India and the then-princely state of Punjab.
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Multipurpose Project: Bhakra Dam is a multipurpose project, aimed at harnessing the waters of the Sutlej River for various purposes. The dam's reservoir, known as the Gobind Sagar Lake, helps in supplying water for irrigation to the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, significantly benefiting agriculture in the region.
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Hydroelectric Power Generation: One of the primary functions of the Bhakra Dam is the generation of hydroelectricity. It has several powerhouses equipped with turbines that convert the water's kinetic energy into electricity. The power generated from the dam contributes substantially to the energy needs of northern India.
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Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB): The Bhakra Dam is managed and operated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board, a government agency responsible for the control, distribution, and regulation of the stored water resources of the Bhakra Nangal and Beas projects.
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Capacity and Size: The Bhakra Dam stands at a height of about 226 meters (741 feet) and has a length of approximately 518 meters (1,699 feet) at the crest. The dam's reservoir, Gobind Sagar, has a total capacity of over 9.34 billion cubic meters (7.56 million acre-feet) of water.
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Tourism: Over the years, the Bhakra Dam has become a popular tourist destination due to its impressive engineering, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities. Tourists visit the dam and the surrounding areas for boating, sightseeing, and enjoying the picturesque landscapes.
- As per the Indus Water Treaty, 1960 signed between India and Pakistan, the waters of three eastern rivers namely the Sutlej, the Beas and the Ravi were allotted to India for exclusive use. A Master Plan was drawn to harness the potential of these rivers for providing assured irrigation, power generation and flood control. Bhakra and Beas Projects form major part of the plan, and were established as a joint-venture of the erstwhile states of Punjab and Rajasthan.
- On Reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, Bhakra Management Board (BMB) was constituted under section 79 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. The administration, maintenance and operation of Bhakra Nangal Project were handed over to Bhakra Management Board w.e.f. 1st October 1967.
- The Beas Project Works, on completion, were transferred by Government of India from Beas Construction Board (BCB) to Bhakra Management Board as per the provisions of Section 80 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Pursuant to this Bhakra Management Board was renamed as Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) w.e.f. 15th May 1976. Since then, the Bhakra Beas Management Board is dedicated to the service of nation and is engaged in regulation of the supply of Water & Power from Bhakra Nangal and Beas Projects to the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pardesh, Delhi and Chandigarh.