Khadubhai IAS: [Himachal GK] Nathpa Jhakri Dam

The Nathpa Jhakri Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Satluj River in Himachal Pradesh, India. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power production and it supplies a 1,500 megawatts

(2,000,000 hp) underground power station with water. Before reaching the power station, water is diverted through a 27.4 km (17 mi) headrace tunnel. Construction on the project began in 1993 and it was complete in 2004. The last two of the 250 megawatts (340,000 hp) Francis turbine-generators went online in March 2004. It is owned by SJVN Ltd.

fig: Nathpa Jhakri Dam

Important Details:

Location	Himachal Pradesh India
Coordinates	31°33′50″N 77°58′49″E Coordinates: 31°33′50″N 77°58′49″E
Construction began	1993
Opening date	2004
Construction cost	US $ 2 billion
Owner(s)	SJVN Ltd
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Concrete gravity
Impounds	Satluj River
Height	62.5 m (205 ft)
Length	185 m (607 ft)
Dam volume	200,000 m³(261,590 cu yd)
Spillway capacity	5,660 m³/s (199,881 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
Total capacity	3,430,000,000 m³(2,780,746 acre·ft)
Active capacity	3,030,000,000 m³(2,456,461 acre·ft)
Surface area	234.5 m (769 ft)
Power station
Commission date	2004
Hydraulic head	428 m (1,404 ft)
Turbines	6 × 250 MW Francis-type
Installed capacity	1,500 MW

Project Layout :

fig : Nathpa Jhakri Project Location

fig : Nathpa Jhakri Project Layout

fig : Nathpa Jhakri Project

Scheduling and generation despatch

The scheduling and despatch of the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power plant is done by Northern Regional Load Despatch Centre which is the apex body to ensure the integrated operation of the power system grid in the Northern region and comes under Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO).

Sponsors and investors