Taliaya,konar,maithon and panchet are major hydroelectric project on Damodar river basin

Damodar River Basin Hydroelectric Projects

The Damodar River, also known as the "Sorrow of Bengal," is a major river in eastern India that flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. It is known for its high silt content and frequent floods during the monsoon season. The river basin has been extensively developed for hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to the energy needs of the region. Below are some notable hydroelectric projects in the Damodar River basin:

1. Maithon Dam and Power Station:
- Located in Jharkhand, the Maithon Dam is a multipurpose dam built across the Barakar River, a tributary of the Damodar River.
- The dam has a height of about 165 feet and a length of 15,712 feet, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 65,000 acre-feet.
- The Maithon Power Station, situated at the foot of the dam, has an installed capacity of 1,050 megawatts (MW).
- It is a joint venture between the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Tata Power, and it started generating power in 1957.

2. Panchet Dam and Power Station:
- The Panchet Dam is another multipurpose dam constructed across the Damodar River in Jharkhand.
- With a height of approximately 133 feet and a length of 10,900 feet, it forms a reservoir spread over an area of 28,000 acres.
- The Panchet Power Station, operated by the DVC, has an installed capacity of 40 MW.
- It began generating electricity in 1959 and plays a crucial role in flood control and irrigation.

3. Tenughat Dam and Power Station:
- Situated in Jharkhand, the Tenughat Dam is built across the Damodar River near Tenughat village.
- The dam's height is around 144 feet, and it has a length of 4,000 feet, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 19,500 acre-feet.
- The Tenughat Power Station, operated by the DVC, has an installed capacity of 100 MW.
- It has three units of 33 MW each and one unit of 1 MW, contributing to the region's power supply since its commissioning in 1974.

4. Tilaiya Dam and Power Station:
- The Tilaiya Dam, located in Jharkhand, is constructed across the Barakar River, a tributary of the Damodar River.
- With a height of approximately 99 feet and a length of 3,084 feet, it forms a reservoir spread over an area of 36,000 acres.
- The Tilaiya Power Station, operated by the DVC, has an installed capacity of 1,000 MW.
- It is currently under construction and expected to be completed in the near future.

These hydroelectric projects in the Damodar River basin have played a significant role in harnessing the river's water resources for power generation, flood control, and irrigation purposes. They have contributed to the socio-economic development of the region by providing a reliable source of electricity and facilitating agricultural activities.