Why in news?
Two paraglider pilots were rescued by the State Disaster Response Force after they fell into Tehri Lake during the Acro Festival & SIV Championship 2026 held near New Tehri, Uttarakhand. The incident underscored the importance of safety protocols at adventure events and drew attention to the lake and its dam.
Background
Tehri Lake is a large reservoir formed by the construction of the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand. The dam, completed in 2006, is among the tallest in the world and plays a key role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation and drinking‑water supply. The reservoir submerged the old town of Tehri, prompting resettlement of residents. In recent years the lake has become a hub for water sports and tourism, with events like paragliding festivals drawing participants from across India.
About Tehri Lake
- Artificial reservoir: The lake was created when water from the Bhagirathi River was diverted to fill the Tehri Dam. It lies near the town of New Tehri at an elevation of about 1,700 metres above sea level.
- Dimensions: The reservoir is roughly 42 km long and 262 metres deep, making it one of Asia’s deepest man‑made lakes.
- Purpose: The dam’s primary objectives are hydroelectricity generation (1,000 MW of installed capacity plus 1,000 MW of pumped‑storage), irrigation and supplying drinking water to Delhi and surrounding areas.
- Tourism: Surrounded by the Himalayas, Tehri Lake has become a picturesque destination for adventure sports such as boating, jet skiing, parasailing and paragliding. Festivals hosted on its shores promote tourism and local livelihoods.
Key facts about Tehri Dam
- The dam is a 260‑metre‑high rock‑and‑earth fill structure on the Bhagirathi River, one of the main headstreams of the Ganges.
- Managed by THDC India Limited (a subsidiary of NTPC), the project was commissioned in phases between 2006 and 2012.
- The reservoir has displaced villages but provides water and electricity for millions of people. Environmental groups have raised concerns about seismic safety and ecological impacts.
Source: The Times of India
