Bhakra Nangal Dam – भाखड़ा नंगल बांध
The country’s largest multi-purpose river valley project, Bhakra Nangal project dedicated to the country on the same day in 1963. Bhakra Nangal dam built on Satluj river in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh is the longest dam in India. It is the third highest dam in the world after the Tehri Dam. This is a bigger boulder dam in America. It is also one of the Top 5 Largest Dams in India.
Bhakra Nangal, the dam was built starting in 1948 and completed in 1962 under the direction of American Dam producer Harvey Slocum. On October 22, 1963, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru launched it. Its main purpose is irrigation and power generation. Against this dam would produce 1,325 MW of hydroelectric power plant, which is the power supply to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh.
The project was inaugurated at the time of Pandit said Jawaharlal Nehru ‘Bhakra Nangal some amazing project, something surprising, something that shakes you up when the heart to see. It organized by the Ministry of water resources in India. Bhakra is the new temple of revived India and it is a symbol of India’s progress. From Nangal city, Bhakra dam is nearly 15 Km and whereas from Naina Devi town it is 20 Km.
Bhakra Nangal Project – भाखड़ा नंगल परियोजना
Nangal Dam is another dam in Punjab downstream of Bhakra Dam. However, sometimes both the dams together are called Bhakra-Nangal Dam though they are two separate dams.
The Bhakra Dam built between the Shivalik hills is 740 feet high and 1700 feet long. Its width in the base is 625 and above 30 feet. At the same time, the Nangal dam, located 13 kilometers away, is 95 feet high and 1000 feet long.
This is a joint project of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Rajasthan’s share in this is 15.2 percent. Apart from this project, more than 250 small villages and towns get electricity in addition to Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu districts.
Bhakra Nangal Project is the largest multipurpose river valley project in India.
- Bhakra Nangal Dam is the world’s highest gravitational dam located in the seismic zone.
- The construction of the dam started in 1948 and it completed in 1963. In 1970, the dam was fully functioning.
- The name of the lake behind this dam is ‘Govind Sagar‘, which is named after the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Govind Singh.
- This dam dedicated to the nation in the year 1963.
- Indira Canal has developed from its subsidiary ‘ Indira Sagar Project ‘ to Rajasthan, which is India ‘s largest canal system. The purpose of this canal is power generation and irrigation.
Bhakra Management Board – भाकरा प्रबंधन बोर्ड
In 1966 for the administration, maintenance and operation of Bhakra Nangal Project the Bhakra Management Board constituted. The government of India appoints the members. On 15 May 1976, it renamed as Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). It also manages dams which are on the river Beas.
The Bhakra Dam, Dehar Hydroelectric Project, Pong dam, Ganguwal, and Kotla power stations operated and managed by the Bhakra Beas Management.
How to Reach Bhakra Nangal Dam – भाखड़ा नंगल बांध तक कैसे पहुंचे
It takes around 2.5 hours to travel from Bilaspur to Bhakra Nangal Dam. Also, Nangal Bus stand is 20 km from Bhakra. Bus services quite prominent, and roads well connected to the dam.
Timings to visit Dam is 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
The time required: 1 hour
The Bhakra Dam |
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| Bhakra Dam in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh | ||
| Official name | Bhakra Dam | |
| Location | Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India | |
| Coordinates | 31°24′39″N76°26′0″ECoordinates: 31°24′39″N 76°26′0″E | |
| Construction began | 1948 | |
| Opening date | 1963 | |
| Construction cost | u.s $245.28 crore in 1963 | |
Dam and spillways |
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| Type of dam | Concrete gravity | |
| Impounds | Satluj River | |
| Height | 741 ft (226 m) | |
| Length | 1,700 ft (520 m) | |
| Width (crest) | 30 ft (9.1 m) | |
| Width (base) | 625 ft (191 m) | |
| Spillway type | Controlled, overflow | |
Reservoir |
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| Creates | Gobindsagar Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 9.340 km3 | |
| Surface area | 168.35 km2 | |
Power Station |
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| Commission date | 1960-1968 | |
| Turbines | Francis-type | |
| Installed capacity | 1325 MW | |
Bhakra Dam Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 31°24′39″N 76°26′00″ECoordinates: 31°24′39″N 76°26′00″E | |
Characteristics |
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| Total length | 1700 feet | |
| Width | 30 feet | |
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