GEOGRAPHICAL TOUR REPORT

TITLLE- RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES

OUTLINE OF GEOGRAPHY TOUR SYNOPSIS

CAHPTER – 1
• INTRODUCTION

• AREA SELECTION OF THE STUDY ON IN IMPORTANCE IN

GEPGRAPHY

• OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

• HYPOTHESES OF THE STUDY

• METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

• ACCESSIBELITY OF THE STUDY

INTRODUCTION

Chilla Dam Rishikesh

Chilla Dam Rishikesh is a spectacular hydroelectric dam situated on the banks of the river
Ganges in the state of Uttarakhand, India. This dam is a marvel of modern engineering and is
renowned for its unique design and incredible power generation capabilities. The dam is an
important source of electricity for the surrounding areas and is also a popular tourist destination,
attracting visitors from all over the world.

The Chilla Dam is located near the Rajaji National Park and is an important part of the area's
ecological and environmental landscape. The dam was built in the 1970s and is one of the largest
hydroelectric power stations in India. The dam's construction involved the creation of a large
reservoir that now provides water to nearby areas, supporting agriculture and other industries.

The dam's design is based on a concrete gravity structure, which is anchored to the bedrock
below. The dam has a height of 23 meters and a length of 315 meters, and its water reservoir has
a capacity of over 140 million cubic meters. The dam is equipped with six turbine generators,
each with a capacity of 33 megawatts, which together generate over 200 megawatts of electricity.
AREA SELECTION OF THE STUDY ON IN IMPORTANCE IN
GEPGRAPHY

The Chilla Dam is also an important tourist destination in the region, attracting visitors who
come to marvel at its impressive size and beautiful surroundings. The dam is surrounded by
picturesque hills and dense forests, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure
enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird-watching, and
camping.

One of the most popular attractions at the Chilla Dam is the

Rajaji National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife species such as tigers, leopards,
elephants, and deer. The park is a haven for nature lovers and offers a unique opportunity to
witness the beauty of the natural world up close. In addition to its natural attractions, the Chilla
Dam is also home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks. The dam is located close to
the city of Rishikesh, which is renowned for its spiritual and cultural significance. The city is
home to numerous temples, ashrams, and yoga centers, making it an important destination for
[Link].

In conclusion, the Chilla Dam Rishikesh is a remarkable achievement of modern engineering and
an important part of the region's cultural and ecological landscape. The dam is an important
source of electricity for the surrounding areas and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors
from all over the world. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure enthusiast, or a spiritual
seeker, the Chilla Dam Rishikesh is a must-visit destination that should be on your list of places
to see.

Places in Rishikesh | Things to do in Rishikesh | Camps Near Chilla Dam | Places Near Chilla
Dam
Reviews for Chilla Dam, Rishikesh
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Top Camping Sites in Uttarakhand & Himachal

 Camping in Rishikesh
 Camping in Tehri
 Camping in Chopta
 Camping in Kanatal
 Camping in Dhanaulti
 Camping in Nainital
 Camping in Chaktara
 Camping in Mukteshwar
 Camping in Auli
 Camping in Shimla
 Camping in Kasol
 Camping in Manali
 Camping in Deoria Tal

Top Hotels in Uttrakhand with Char Dham Route

 Hotels in Rishikesh
 Hotels in Chopta
 Hotels in Bhimtal
 Hotels in Almora
 Hotels in Nainital
 Hotels in Chaktara
 Hotels in Mukteshwar
 Hotels in Haridwar
 Hotels in Mussoorie
 Hotels in Tehri
 Hotels in Pauri
 Hotels in Badrinath
 Hotels in Joshimath
 Hotels in Guptkashi
 Hotels in Kedarnath
 Hotels in Gaurikund
CHAPER -2
• LOCATION,SITE AND SITUATION OF THE STUDY AREA
• RELIEF WATER FLOW SYSTEM AND NATURAL
VEGETATION
• CLIMATE
• SOILS
• MINERAL WEALTH

LOCATION,SITE AND SITUATION OF THE

STUDY AREA

A Hydroelectric Marvel: The Mighty Cheela Dam

The Cheela Dam, the namesake of the road, is the first stop on this captivating
adventure. This 204-meter tall concrete arch dam, built across the Ganges River, is
a testament to modern engineering. The dam serves a dual purpose: generating 144
MW of hydroelectric power for the region and regulating the flow of the Ganges.
Standing near the dam, the sheer power of the gushing water and the intricate dam
structure leave you awestruck.

How to Reach Cheela Dam Road

 Starting Point: Haridwar
 Route: Haridwar to Rishikesh
 Distance: Approximately 25 kilometers
 Mode of Transport: Car or bike

CHAPTER-3
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
HISTORY AND DEVOLOPMENT OF LANESDOWNE
ATTRIBUTES OF POPULATION
CULTURE AND SOCIETY

CULTURAL BACKGROUND

A Nature Lover’s Paradise: Lush Landscapes and Wildlife

As you move away from the dam, the road unfolds into a verdant paradise. Lush green forests
flank both sides, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The air is
crisp and clean, carrying the sweet fragrance of wildflowers and the earthy aroma of the
Himalayas. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife – the Rajaji National Park, a haven
for elephants, tigers, leopards, and a myriad of bird species, lies close by. Spotting a majestic
elephant grazing by the roadside or a vibrant peacock displaying its feathers is an experience you
won’t soon forget.

CHAPTER-4
GEOGRAPHICAL POLITICAL BACKGROUND
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF CHEELA DAM
ROLE OF CANTONMENT BOARD
MANEGEMNET AND PLANNING
GEOGRAPHICAL POLITICAL BACKGROUND

Spiritual Solace: A Touch of Divinity

The road winds its way past quaint villages and ancient temples, each
with its own unique story to tell. Stop by the Neelkanth Mahadev
Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The serene
atmosphere and intricate carvings on the temple walls offer a sense of
peace and tranquility. Further down the road, you might encounter
groups of pilgrims chanting hymns as they walk towards Rishikesh, the
“Yoga Capital of the World.” The spiritual energy that permeates the air
is palpable, creating an atmosphere of introspection and rejuvenation.
Adventure Awaits: Activities for the Thrill-Seeker
The Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Road isn’t just for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
Adventure enthusiasts can find their fix here as well. The Ganges River, flowing
majestically alongside the road, presents fantastic opportunities for white water
rafting. Navigate the rapids, feel the adrenaline rush, and experience the thrill of
conquering the mighty river. If you prefer a more serene activity, consider
kayaking or paddleboarding on the calmer stretches. The surrounding hills also
offer opportunities for trekking and mountain biking, allowing you to explore the
region’s hidden gems and breathtaking viewpoints.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF CHEELA DAM

No journey is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The road is dotted
with small restaurants and cafes serving up traditional delicacies of Uttarakhand.
Sample the flavorful Kumaoni cuisine, known for its use of regional spices and
fresh ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to try a steaming plate of Bhatt ki churma
(made from fermented black lentils), Aloo Gutke (a potato curry), or a comforting
bowl of Mandua roti and raita (made from finger millet flour). For those with a
sweet tooth, the local jalebis and gulab jamuns are a must-try.

The ideal time to visit the Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Road is between October and
March when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. The road is well-
maintained but can get narrow at certain stretches. Be cautious while driving and
adhere to traffic regulations. Renting a bike or a motorcycle is a popular option for
experiencing the scenic beauty at your own pace. Several hotels and guesthouses
are available near the dam and Rishikesh, catering to different budgets.

Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Road

The Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Road is more than just a route connecting two places.
It’s a sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a journey that allows
you to reconnect with nature, discover the serenity of ancient temples, and
experience the thrill of adventure. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace, a dose
of adventure, or simply a scenic escape, the Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Road has
something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, get ready for an unforgettable
adventure, and embark on a journey through serenity on the Cheela Dam –
Rishikesh Road.

Dams-An Overview
Rivers have played a major role in shaping the earth’s physical and ecological
landscapes through their unique hydrologic characteristics, as well as shaping
cultural landscapes by providing food, water, and other ecosystem services. With
the rise of ancient civilizations came a rise in building dams and diversions for
water storage, irrigation, transportation, and flood control. As early as 6500 BC,
the Sumerians constructed dams across the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to provide
flood control and irrigation for crops [Link] the first millennium BC, stone and
earthen dams were erected on nearly every continent, enabling the acquisition of
water and food to sustain population growth. Today, more than 800,000 dams have
been constructed worldwide, of which 45,000 are large dams, greater than 15 m in
height, 4. Around 400,000 sq km of land worldwide has been submerged due to the
construction of dams.

The rapid increase in dam projects during the early and middle twentieth century
was driven by socio- economic and political pressure, political-ecology dimension
of developing countries (Goodland 1997) and advances in structural engineering,
such as the use of pre-stressed concrete 5, also contribute to the proliferation of
dams. Latest statistics show that there are more than 5000dams in India covering a
submerged area of about 8400 sq km.

Meaning of dams

A dam is a barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, forming a reservoir used
togenerate electricity or as water supply. It is an impervious barrier constructed across a river or
stream to store water on its upstream side. Dams are built for meeting different purposes such as
irrigation, power generation, flood control, navigation, recreation, fisheries and aquatics etc.

Classifications of Dams

Gravity Dam

It is a masonry or concrete dam which resists the forces acting on it by its own weight
Arch Dam

It is a curved masonry or concrete dam, convex upstream, which resists the forces acting on it by
arch action. The only arch dam in India – Idukki dam (double curvature in plan) – concrete arch
dam

Buttress Dam

It consists of water retaining sloping membrane or deck on the u/s which is supported by a series
of buttresses. These buttresses are in the form of equally spaced triangular masonry or reinforced
concrete walls or counter forts. The sloping membrane is usually a reinforced concrete slab. In
general, the structural behaviour of a buttress dam is similar to that of a gravity dam.

Embankment Dam

It is a non-rigid dam which resists the forces acting on it by its shear strength and to some extent
also by its own weight (gravity). Its structural behaviour is in many ways different from that of a
gravity dam.

The impacts of dams on the biological, geophysical, and chemical processes of rivers have
beenextensively documented [Link] specific environmental impacts of dams are influenced
by local conditions, as well as the size and type of dam constructed, similar environmental
impacts of dams have been documented in various regions of the world, and are generally not
unique to a specific location or ecosystem. Negative environmental impacts of dams can occur
upstream, downstream, and in reservoirs. In addition to habitat degradation or destruction, dams
induce significant barrier effects by block king the downstream flow of sediment and nutrients
and prevent ing the migration of fish and other aquatic organisms.7 Additionally, altered flow
rates may negatively impact aquatic organisms that depend on critical thresholds of water level,
velocity, or timing for life history stages8.

Dams may also negatively impact aquatic organisms by altering water temperature and
dissolved oxygen both within reservoirs and outflows. (Lessard and Hayes 2003). Reservoirs
may also contribute to atmospheric greenhouse gases through the decomposition of flooded
biomass and soils9. Submergence of valleys and low lying sites which are often of exceptional
geological, ecological, cultural and therefore touristic (economic) value. Thórhallsdóttir 10
points out that most of the biodiversity of the highlands occurs in the river valleys and low lying
wetlands, making these areas particularly valuable in Icelandic context. These aspects are sought
to be addressed in the foregoing discussions.

Physical Impacts of Dams

Physical impacts are composed of construction, mitigation and decommissioning
costs.
 Construction Costs: Project construction consists of the dam, the irrigation
system and the spillway.

Huge commitment of funds for a relatively long time is required in this connection,
the benefits ofwhich are uncertain in terms of time and cost .This may be further
aggravated by time and costoverruns during construction, pausing severe financial
crunch in the form interest payment etc, anAchilles heel in the context of India.
The Edmalayar Dam in Kerala on the WG is a typical example.

The Dam project, started in 1970, could be commissioned only in 1987 with a time
overrun of 9 years and consequent cost overrun of 285 percent resulting in a capital
cost of Rs 2.81 per kWh of generation.

conclusion
Salient Features of cheela dam

Barrage

River Ganga

Location Virbhadra

Length 312 m.
 Power Tunnel

Length 14.3 km

Design Discharge 580 Cumecs.

Power House

Location Chilla

Head 33 m

Installed Capacity 144 MW

No. of Units 4

Cost Rs. 97.76 Crores.

Year of Completion 1981

Garhwal Rishikesh Chilla Scheme is one of the completed run of the river schemes. It utilises a
drop of 33 metres from Virbhadra upto power house situated 4 km. upstream of Ganga Canal
Headwork's at Bhimgoda. The river discharge available at Virbhadra, has been diverted by
constructing a barrage in to a 14.1 km., long power channel. After generating power the water is
discharge in river Ganga a 1.2 km. long tail race channel. The discharge as available in river
Ganga, upto 580 cumecs (20,000 cusecs) has been utilised for generation of power.

Works on this scheme were started in Oct. 1974 and all the functional works were completed by
Dec. 1980. All the four units of the power house were commissioned in March, 1981. The total
cost of the scheme is 9776 lacs and it has added 742 million units annually. This generation
would increase to 920 million units after completion of Tehri Project.

(A) Barrage and Head Regulator at Virbhadra

312 metres long barrage having 15 bays of 18 metres each and 63 metres long head regulator
having 5 bays of 11 m each have been constructed on river Ganga at Virbhadra, 5 km.,
downstream of Rishikesh. This barrage is in boulder stage of river and has been designed for
discharge intensity of 67 cumecs per metre.

(B) Power Channel

The power channel, 14.1 km., long runs between left bank of river Ganga and foot hill in
exceedingly difficult and torturous terrain with varying geology. At some places it has been
constructed in 30 metres deep excavation and at some places in 30 metres high embankment.

(C) Power House at Chilla

The power house has four units of 36 MW. each utilising drop of 33 metres. Water is fed in to
the turbines through four penstocks of 6 metres dia each of about 55 metres length. The water
from the power house is discharged back in river Ganga, upstream of Ganga Canel head works,
through a 1.2 km., tail race channel.