37 years on, Tehri stirs to life

OVERCOMING DECADES of hiccups, one of the largest dams ever built, the 2400 MW Tehri Dam project was dedicated to the nation on Sunday ?37 years after it was first conceptualized.

Published on: Jul 31, 2006, 01:01:00 IST

None | By Utpal Parashar, Tehri

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

OVERCOMING DECADES of hiccups, one of the largest dams ever built, the 2400 MW Tehri Dam project was dedicated to the nation on Sunday —37 years after it was first conceptualized.

Although production of 250 MW from the project's first stage began earlier this month, a formal inauguration by Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has paved way for generation to take place on a regular basis from now on.
However, the event also had its share of controversy with Uttaranchal Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari remaining absent. Discontented with the way such a significant event was organised, the CM decided to stay away, said Congress sources.

While Shinde stated that Tiwari abstained from the event due to some unforeseen problems, many present felt the unwillingness to face displaced families, some of whom are still agitating for better compensation, could be the main reason. Officials were skeptical about displaced residents or Tehri hydro development corporation officials demanding pay hike, disrupting the ceremony, however, nothing of that sort happened.

"Today's event is a landmark in our dream to provide electricity to all by 2012. Synchronisation of the other three units of the first stage would take place in two months, adding another 750 MW power to the northern grid," said Shinde.
He expressed gratitude towards the displaced families for their sacrifice and assured financial help from the Centre to address all issues related to rehabilitation. Besides benefiting nine states in north India, power from the project would substantially add to the energy pool of northern region and during peak output, shall also stabilize the northern grid, stated THDC officials.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Utpal Parashar
A seasoned senior journalist, I have nearly three decades of experience across print, digital, and online platforms, covering political transitions, insurgencies, environmental issues, and development stories in India and Nepal. I am skilled in breaking news, leading editorial teams and launch of newspaper editions. I am adept at leveraging digital trends and social media to expand global reach, with a strong ethical foundation and a reputation for impactful journalism. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, I joined Hindustan Times in New Delhi as a trainee reporter in May 1997. Over the years, I have been posted in Dehradun, Kathmandu (Nepal) and Guwahati. Currently, as Senior Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, I lead a team reporting on India’s northeastern states. My work involves in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia storytelling across formats, including text, photo, video, and interactive content. I am skilled in producing timely, shareable content, leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage global audiences. Throughout my career with the Hindustan Times, I have led diverse editorial teams, designed capacity-building activities, and supported reporters in developing strong story ideas, ethical reporting practices, digital skills, and fact-checking techniques. As Senior Assistant Editor for Northeast India, I have been responsible for guiding correspondents through complex political, humanitarian, and community-level stories using multimedia formats. Earlier, as Foreign Correspondent in Nepal, I produced extensive reporting during Nepal’s democratic transition and the 2015 earthquake and its aftermath.Read More

Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.