Thdro !Efecfric Uevelofimerti in Sanui iSasinshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/129108/16/12...Hydro Electric Development in Satluj Basin Rampur and Naina Devi range at Bhakra

Chapter-IV

Thdro !Efecfric Uevelofimerti in

Sanui iSasin

Hydro Electric Development in Satluj Basin

In the foregoing chapter an account of hydropower with scope of hydro

electric potential and progress of power sector in the state of Himachal

Pradesh has been discussed. The first part of the present chapter is related

with an overview of Satluj River Basin and the second part is related with the

development of hydroelectric projects on Satluj River Basin.

INTRODUCTION

Satluj derived from Sanskrit word Shatardu/Satadru/Sutudri in Rigveda

means "running in a hundred streams". The Satluj is believed to be an

antecedent river because of its existence prior to the phase of Upper

Pleistocene uplift of the Himalaya, which is evident from the formation of

canyons and gorges along its course, is one of the largest rivers in Himachal

Pradesh. The Satluj River rises in the Kailash Mansarovar region in Tibet with

its origin in the Rakshas Tal as Longchhen Khabab (Xianquan). The

geological evidence indicates that prior to 1700 B.C. Satluj was an important

tributary of Saraswati River rather than Sindhu River. It is suggested that the

tectonic activity brought about elevational changes which re-directed the flow

of Satluj from the southeast to the southwest. The mighty Saraswati which is

mostly referred to as a mythical river, began to dry up during 3900 year BP

(Before Present), causing desertification of Cholistan and the eastern part of

the Sindh state. The desertification resulted in the abandonment of numerous

ancient human settlements along the banks of Saraswati. The Satluj river

enters India near Shipkila (2880 m) in Himachal Pradesh and leaves the State

at Bhakra (Punjab). The river up to this point covers a distance of about 640

km from its origin and within Himachal Pradesh it travels a distance of 320

km. In Punjab it is joined by Beas and in Pakistan Chenab meets it at Uch

(Bhawalpur). The first major tributary of Satluj with in Indian Territory is Spiti

river which joins it at Khab. Ropa, Taiti, Kashang, Mulgaon, Yula, Wanger,

Throng and Rupi are its other right bank tributaries. The major left bank

tributaries of Satluj are Gayathing, Baspa, Dubling and Soldang. The major

settlements along the Satluj river with in Himachal Pradesh are Namgia,

Bhabanagar, Rampur, Tattapani, Suni and Bilaspur. The river Satluj passes

through Tibetian plateau into the Himalayan ranges and the Siwalik ranges

and finally flows along the plains of Punjab. It crosses Dhauladhar ranges at

101


Rampur and Naina Devi range at Bhakra gorge. The river Satluj merges with

Sindhu at Mithankot in Pakistan after covering a distance of about 1500 km

from its origin.

4.1 CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS

The geographical limits of the Satluj basin upto Bharka Dam lie

between latitude 30°N to 33°N and 76°E to 83°E. It covers its area in Nari

Khorsam province of Tibet and in Himachal Pradesh State of India. The

catchment area at Bhakra Dam is about 56875 sq. km out of which about

36000 sq. km is in Tibet and 20875 sq. km in India (PFR Khab I, 2004). The

basin represents some remarkable physical features. Below it stretches the

loftiest mountain ranges of the world radiating from the Pamir Knot and later in

a easterly direction constitute a massive mountain wall extending over 2500

km with a varying width of 250 to 300 km. The Satluj is bound in the east by

the water divide of the Giri (a tributary of Yamuna) and on the west by that of

the Beas. It is interesting to note that at corresponding points in the

mountains, the beds of Giri and the Beas are relatively higher by 182 or 210

m than that of the Satluj. This clearly shows that the river Satluj runs along a

deeper trough than the other two rivers on its either side. Therefore, the

erosion and valley widening in Satluj valley is much higher compared to its

neighboring streams. In terms of incision, Satluj holds the third important

place among rivers in India, next to the Indus and the Brahmaputra. In the

headwater region of Satluj in Tibet, two lakes - the Manswarowar (4630 m) in

the east and the Rakshas Tal Lake (4515 m) in the west are interconnected

by a seasonal stream, which goes underground in the dry months. The

Mansarowar is a fresh water lake while the Rakshas Tal Lake has salt water.

A stream emerging from the Rakshas Lake flows for some distance and

disappears. A short distance away from this point, the Satluj starts its westerly

flow in the glacial spring of Dulchu Khambab, 35 km west of Parkha, which is

an important trading centre between Kailas and Mansarowar. Thus the Satluj

flows from the Rakshas Lake and the water of this lake comes from

Mansarowar as considered by Sven Heden (Srikantia and Bhargava, 1998).

Tage Tsangpo is mostly glacier fed. The sacred spring Langchen

Kamba lies in the head water region of Tage Tsangpo. This spring is the

102


source of the Ganglung Chu which emanates from the Ganlung glacier.

Because Ganglung Chu contributes maximum water to Tage Tsangpo, it

serves as the principal source of the great river Satluj. Satluj river flows as

Longcchen Khabab in Tibet. The important right bank streams of Satluj in the

Tibet region are Iwang Chu, Chowak, Sumna and Trapa. The major left bank

tributaries are Largchin and Manglan transu. The Satluj river flows for 1440

km and meets Indus near at Mithankot in Pakistan. At Uch it receives water

from Chenab river on its right bank. In Tibet, Satluj flows 640 km and enters

India at Shipkila. The fall of Satluj from its source in Tibet to the plains of

Punjab is very uniform and averages about 6 m per km. The river bed

elevation of Satluj is 4572 m at the Rakshas Lake, 3048 m near Shipkila, 914

m at Rampur, 500 m at Bilaspur and less than 300 m where it enters the

plains of Punjab. In Himachal Pradesh it has a total length of about 320 km

(fig. 4.1).

In its north-westeriy flow in Tibetan Plateau, the Satluj has carved a

900 m deep canyon near Nari Khorsam (4270 to 4570 m) through

unconsolidated Quaternary deposits. The river passes through the Zanskar

Range and it enters Himachal Pradesh near Shipkila, which is at 7.2 km from

the highest peak Leo Pargial (6791 m). The bed of the Satluj at this site being

3048 m, the gorge at this site is 3743 m deep. About 16 km below Shipkila the

right bank of the Satluj is a vertical wall of rock varying in height from 1829 to

2134 m. The Satluj cuts across the Great Himalaya Range near Kalpa, where

the range bifurcates. At Rampur it passes through a narrow rocky gorge in the

Dhauladhar Range. Further downstream it flows through the Shall Range and

descends down to Bilaspur. At Jamthal a fluvial terrace is preserved above

400 m from the Satluj river bed level which indicates that the river has incised

about 400 m in this stretch. In the downstream stretch in Siwalik Range, the

river Satluj has changed its course several times in the past (Negi, 1989).

103


TmVE _l

77-30'(TE I

78-0-trE

I

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN DRAINAGE

78"30(rE I

N

S

r

0 10 20 40 60 80 =3HiHBKms

Fig. 4.1

104


Large number of glaciers drains their waters into the river Satluj at various

points of its course and also into its tributary streams. The important glaciers

in Tibet are Ganglung Gaungni east of Mansarovar, the glaciers along the

southern slope of the Kailas Mountain draining into the Rakshas Tal, and the

northern glaciers of peak Kamet (7756 m). Further downstream, entering the

Himachal Himalaya, the glaciers draining from peak of Leo Pargial flow into

the Satluj. There are also glaciers draining into the major tributaries of Satluj,

namely the Spiti and Baspa. The upper tracts of the Satluj valley are under a

permanent snow cover. In the Satluj catchment, about 50,140 sq. km area is

located above the permanent snow line at an altitude of 4,500 m.

Topographically the catchment has been divided into categories as

below:

i) Tibetan Plateau:

River Satluj rises in Tibetian Plateau in the region of the Mansarover

Lake situated at an elevation of about 4570 m above mean sea level. There is

absolutely no vegetation in this region. When the snow melts deep channels

are formed on the surface. The river passes through the Tibetan province of

Nari khorsam, the best know Zaskar and Ladhak range. The Plateau has

been formed by successive deposits of boulders, gravels, clay, and mud in

the trough between two ranges. River Satluj has been able to cut a channel

about 915 m deep through the plateau with the water received from glaciers.

River Satluj in Narikorsam is joined by several tributaries.

ii) Spiti Valley:

Spiti river is the biggest tributary of the river Satluj and joins river Satluj

at Namgia (Khab) about 14kms 4/5 Pooh. The characteristics of this

catchment area are identical to that of the Tibetan Plateau. Rainfall in this

area is scare, height of the catchment area drained by river Spiti is between

3048m and 4570m. In this area there is absolutely no vegetation. The melting

snow forms deep flow channels.

iii) Namgia to Wangtu:

This catchment is bounded by moderately high hills with elevation of

1960m to 3045 m and has little rainfall but heavy snow. The snow line in this

105

Hydro Electric Development In Satluj Basin

region Is at 3048 m. The flows In the river are mainly due to snow meeting

which follow more or less a regular pattern. The well formed pine forests near

Karcham Wangtu give way to 'Chllgoza' plantation at all higher elevation. This

area has steep slopes with little earth cover and experiences very little rain,

when snow falls, water enter Into crevices, where It freezes during winter

crackes and cruches the rocks. The subsequent loads of snow accelerate this

phenomenon. When the snow melt the dislnterlgeratlon debris slide with the

water Into the river. The cycle repeat year after year.

iv) Wangtoo to Bhakra:

The annual rainfall of this catchment Is about 1000mm. The area Is

forested with scattered to dense patches of trees. There agricultural

development has taken place several locations mainly along the river on

flatter slopes. The average slope of the river between Rampur to Bhakra Is

about 1m to 300. The area from Kol dam to Govind sagar lies in Slwallk

range. Rainfall is heavy and silt loads are high. This area is in the lower

catchment of the Slwallk range with rise to about elevation 2100m.

4.2 TRIBUTARIES JOINING SATLUJ RIVER

It was found that along the entire stretch of Satluj, several number of

tributaries join them. The main tributaries of river Satluj meeting at right bank

are Spltl, Ropa Taiti, Kashang, Mulgaon, Yula, Wanger, Throng, Rupl, The

main tributaries of river Satluj meeting at left bank are Tirung, Gayathing,

Baspa, Duling, Shoulding, Manglad, Nogli.

4.2.1 Spit! River

The Spiti River originates from Kunzum range and travels 150 km in

KInnaur district before confluencing with Satluj at Khab. In its initial stretch it

flows as Takche nala, which also receives water from the Chandra Tal lake.

Further downstream near Losar, Takche nala receives water from PInglung

Tokpo and Kabjima nala on Its left bank. Downstream of Losar, numerous

streams join the Spltl valley on Its either bank. The Left bank streams are

Thanmo Nala, Takling Nala, and Stream from Parang La, Shila Nala, Shaman

nala, Karathi nala and Parechu river. Important right bank streams of Spltl are

Ratang river. Pin River and Yang Cho. Huge mountains rise to very high

106


elevations on either side of Spiti River and its numerous tributaries. Most part

of the Spiti catchment is barren rocky land covered with thick moraines.

Settlements are mostly clustered near the Spiti channel. The main settlements

in the Spiti valley are Hansi and Dhankar Gompa (CAT PLAN, 2005).

LEFT BANK STREAMS

i) Thanmo Nala : It is a snowfed and springfed stream which joins the

Spiti river near Hansi.

ii) Takling Nala : It flows from the Takling La lake and flowing towards

south joins Spiti in the downstream of Kiato.

iii) Stream from Parang La lake: It flows southward and confluences with

Spiti near Ki.

iv) Shila Nala : This is a lake fed and spring fed stream which confluences

with Spiti near Rangrik.

v) Shaman Nala : It is a glacier fed and lake fed stream and has a large

catchment. It flows towards south west and receives water from

Shijibang and Kiabri nala on its left bank and Khukhe nala on its right

bank before draining into Spiti in the downstream of Lidang.

vi) Karathi Nala : It is a small stream, which joins with Spiti near Hurling.

vii) Parechu River : This is a lake fed and glacier fed tributary stream of

Spiti, which confluences near Samdoh. It originates in India and flows

through Tibetan part of China. In 2005, the Parechu Lake in the

headwater region of the Parechu River was blocked by landslide and

subsequent breaching of the landslide dam resulted in a flash flood.

The level of water in Parechu was raised up to 15 m.

RIGHT BANK STREAMS

i) Ratang River : This is a small spring fed and snow fed stream, which

flows towards north east and confluences with Spiti near Ratang.

ii) Pin River : It is a glacier fed, snow fed and spring fed stream and has

a large catchment. Parahio River which receives water from Debsa

Khad, Khamengar River and Kidul Chu drains into the Pin channel near

107


Sagnam. Parahio river also receives water from the Larang La lake.

Pin river confluences with the Spiti valley on its right bank near Dankar.

iii) Stream from Yang Cho lake: This is a small stream which flows

northward from Yang Cho lake and confluences with Spiti river near

Mane.

4.2.2 TirungKhad

Tirung Khad is a left bank tributary of Satluj which flows from a 5362 m

high peak. It is a glacier fed and snow fed stream which receives water from

several small streams joining it on either bank. In its initial stretch it is known

as Charang Khad. The left bank tributaries are Dipgyamba Khad, Mangia

Khad, Lungsho Khad, Domuna, Lambar Khad, Gara Khad and Duba Khad.

The streams joining it on its right bank are Jongchhutanso, Kuna Khad,

Shakutang, Shangchang, Shankvi Khad and Rovang.

4.2.3 Baspa River

Baspa is an important left bank tributary which originates from the

Baspa hills, drains the Sangia valley and confluences on the left bank of Satluj

near Karcham in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh (Photo Plate 4.1). This

river has a catchment of 1000 sq km. Baspa receives water from many

smaller channels draining snow and glacier water. The Baspa river channel is

oriented across the main Himalayan range. The left bank tributaries of Baspa

are Karu, Shanchay, Jorya Garang, Janpa Garang, Nardu Garang, Shaune

Garang, Hurba Khad, Rokti Khad, Shaung Khad and Baura Khad. The

streams joining Baspa on its right bank are smaller compared to the left bank

streams (DRP Lurhi, 2007).

108


Photo Plate 4.1 : Confluences of Baspa on the left bank of Satluj near Karcham

Some important tributary streams on the right bank are: Tumar,

Rimdarang, Shilpya, Shushang, Mangsa and Gor Garang. Most part of the

Catchment of Baspa river is covered with thick vegetation.

i) Ropa Gad

It is a glacier fed right bank tributary which drains an oval shaped basin

around Gibong.

ii) Tagta Khad

This is a glacier fed stream which confluences with Satluj river on its

left bank at 2280 m. In its initial stretch it flows from Topuk Cave as

Gyamthing Gad.

iii) Sumun Gad

This is a small spring fed and snow fed stream which originates on the

southern slope of 3240 m peak and flows for 8.16 km. In the head water

region it drains the slopes of pine rich Galol PF. Below 2450 m its catchment

has barren rocky slopes, cultivated terraces and settlements. In the lower

reach it drains the slopes of Shikarwah PF.

109


4.2.4 NogliKhad

Nogli Khad is a snow fed and rain fed stream which join Satluj at Nogli.

In its initial course it flows from east to west between Jalsu Thorna - Buj

Dhar- Pal Dhar - Tracha Dhar -Krunshi Kharag Dhar ridge in the south and

Gangdapi Dhar - Jang Dhar - Dhaola Dhar ridge in the north. It originates as

Sageti Gad in the east of a 5236 m high peak on Kumashi Kharang Dhar,

flows for 38 km and finally merges with Satluj on its right bank at 910 m near

Nogli village. In the head water region the Nogli Khad flows south ward from

4600 m as Sageti Gad in the valley between Satmal Dhar in the west and

Kumshi Kharang Dharin the east. At 3600 m, it receives water from another

snow fed and spring fed stream flowing on the western slope of Krunshikring

(5088 m) peak, where from it flows towards south east. Above 3400 m

elevation there is no vegetation in this stretch. The river takes a westward turn

at 3240 m. At 3160 m the Sageti Gad receives water on its right bank from a

stream originating on the south east slope of Hansbeshan (5240 m) peak.

This stream flows in the valley between Ratonal Dhar in the west and Satmal

Dhar in the east. The river maintains westward course up to 2960 m elevation

and then turns towards northeast up to 2600 m. At 2600 m Sageti Gad

receives water from Devka Pani on its right bank and flows downstream as

Nogri gad. In the downstream of Thar Gad, Negri gad flows as Nogli Gad. All

of the streams joining Nogli Gad have high gradient.

4.2.5 Kurpan Gad

It is a snow fed and spring fed stream. It originates as Umli Gad on the

southern slopes of a 5048 m high peak. It flows 37 km in a channel and

confluences with Satluj river on its left bank at 865 m. Its catchment above

3200 m elevation is barren rocky land. In its upper catchment, Garlandi PF is

spread on its left bank and Dwaridanda PF is spread on the right. In the head

water region three snow fed streams join together above 3700 m and feed the

Umli Gad channel. Between 2200 m and 3200 m the catchment is covered

with thick vegetation. After the confluence with Dewar Gad, Umli Gad is

named as Kurpan Gad. In this stretch below 1075 m, Kurpan gad watershed

is either barren rocky land or covered with cultivated terraces and settlements.

All the tributaries of Kurpan Gad have high gradients.

110


4.2.6 Machhad Gad

Machhad Gad originates from Mara! Kanda (3732 m) peak and flows

23 km towards northwest and drains into Satluj at 870 m. It is a spring fed and

snow fed stream. Most part of its catchment on its left bank is covered with

forest. However, on the right bank a major portion is barren rocky land and

covered with cultivated terraces and settlements. In the initial stretch

Machhad Gad flows as Seri Gad Khad, then as Gatera Khad after the

confluence with Sungt Mali. Further downstream, in the region downstream of

the confluence with Dhuni Nala, it flows as Machhada Khad and below 1520

m it flows for 6 km stretch as Machhad Gad. There are a few small right bank

tributaries of Machhad Gad. On the other hand the left bank catchment is

wide with some large tributaries draining, the area. Dogar Khad is a large

tributary stream of Machhada Khad, which confluences at 1200 m elevation

near Sharkot. Machhada Khad flows as Machhad Gad from Sharkot to its

confluence with Satluj river at 870 m in the south of Hul Dhar. Within this 6 km

flow it drains the slopes covered with cultivated terraces, settlements and

barren rocky lands. In this 6 km stretch only scrubs cover the mountain

slopes.

4.2.7 NaharuNal

It is a spring fed stream which flows towards southwest from a 3022 m

high peak. In the head water region it drains the pine rich Lotkaon PF and the

pine rich Shila PF in the west bank. It receives water from Nagali Gad at 1120

m near Piptodhar. Most part of the Nagali Gad catchment is covered with

settlements and cultivable terraces. Naharu Nal joins the Satluj river on its

right bank at 860 m in the downstream of Shanah village.

I l l


76''3CrO'E I

nim-E I

78^(rE

I

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN

CONTOUR w E - £

<rw <̂̂

Elevation (in IVIeters)

Contour Interval 20 Mtrs /^ ' <all other values>

/^ Below 1000

1001 - 2000

2001 - 3000

3001-4000

4001 - 5000

Above 5000 0 10 20 40 60 80 I iKms "g

I

Fig 4.2

112


4.3 THE RIVER PROFILE

River Satluj rises after its origin at Rakas-Tal Mansarovar, enters the

Indian territory at Shipkilla, and takes a north-westerly course. In Tibetan

Province of Nari Khorsam the Satluj is joined by several tributaries in Nari

Khorsam such as Zhangchu, Drama Yanketi, Chonaki, Manglam, Transu,

Sumna, Trape etc. Immediately after entering the Indian Territory near

Shipkilla the river takes a South Westerly direction on its way to Bhakra gorge

about 320 km away after crossing which it emerges into the plains of the

Punjab. The principal tributaries of the Satluj below Shipkila are the Spiti,

Kashano, Baspa, Sholding, Sorang, Chaniv, Moblad, Nogli, Kurpan, Bharari,

All, and Ghambar Khad.

The Satluj crosses the Great Himalayas at a point where the range

bifurcates. At Rampur it crosses, the Dhauladhar Range and the Naina Devi

range, where the Bhakra Dam is situated in the last of the series. Between

Suni and Debar the river takes a somewhat north-western direction. After

Debar the river turns in a south- westerly direction to reach the foots of Naina

Devi Range. The Nania Devi range deflect the river again in a north westerly

direction where it flows parallel to the range for about 32 km before cutting

through it at Bhakra gorge.

Numerous glaciers large and small drain into the Satluj at various point

on its course and its principal source are the east glaciers of the Ganglug

Gaungni, the Southern glaciers of the Ganglug Gaungni. The Northern glacier

of the peak Kailas which flow into the Satluj through the lake of Rakstal also

contribute to the streams. The glacier of peak Riwa phargul which stands in

the Satluj catchment also flows into it. There are many Himalayan glaciers

draining into its tributaries. The total catchment area of the Satluj above the

Bhakra Dam site is about 56875 sq km. The drainage area is comparatively

narrow with an average with of about 35 km. This part of the catchment has

an area of 7055 sq.km (2725 sq. miles). Above Nathpa the catchment is

considerably wider than below it. The river Satluj drains an area of about

50880 sq. km at Rampur hydro project discharge site.

113


SATLUJ RIVER BASIN SLOPE

Index

Slope (In Degrees)

^ 1 ^ Below 15

C ^ ^ 30.1 -45

C 3 5 45.1 -60

^ ^ ^ Above 60

N

&

0 10 20 40 60 80 iKms

Fig. 4.3

114


The fall of Satluj from its source to the plains of India is very uniform.

The height of the bed is about 4570 m near RaksTal, 2530 m near Shipkila

falls, 915 m at Rampur, 416 m at Bilaspur and 350 m at the Bhakra dam site.

The valley is narrow in the portion form Shipkila to Pooh and from Thopan to

Rampur and in the portion between Pooh to Thopan and Rampur to Bhakra

the valley is comparatively wider. It is widest in the portion immediately

upstream of Bhakra. The bed slope of river is from Shipki la to Tanvi for a

distance of about 43 km which is of the order 1 in 175. It becomes steep

between Jangi and Rampur, the slope being 1 in 87 and is again flatter from

Rampur to kol site with a slope of 1 in 300. It is the flattest in the Bhakra

reservoir area, the portion downstream of the Kol Dam where the bed slope is

1m in 500.

4.3.1 Gradient Profile

The fall of Satluj from its source in Tibet to the plains of Punjab is very

uniform and averages about 6 m per km. Most of the tributary streams joining

the Karcham-Rampur stretch have higher gradient; it varies from 1:2 to 1:5

with most of the streams having a gradient of below 1:4. These streams have

the potential to bring large amount of sediments into the trunk channel. In the

free draining catchment, the Sumun Gad, Nogli Gad, Kurpan Gad and

Machhad Gad have gradients of 1:4, 1:9, 1:10 and 1:16, respectively. The

large tributary streams Spiti and Baspa have gradients of 1:50 and 1:23 (LHP,

2003). The contour map for satluj is shown in fig 4.3

4.3.2 Relief

The relief in the catchment varies from 620 to 5240 m. The lowest point

in the catchment is 620 m at the Satluj river bed and the highest point is 5240

m peak in the Nogli Gad watershed.

4.3.3 Slope

The mountain slopes in the catchment were divided into four major

slope categories viz. Gently sloping (0-15% slope). Moderately Sloping (16-

40% slope), Steep (41-60% slope), and Very steep (>60% slope).The

mountain slopes in half of the catchment area is near about 50.% are

moderately steep. Steep slopes cover 40% of the catchment. Strongly sloping

115


and gently sloping areas cover 7.45% and 7.10% of the catchment area,

respectively. Moderately sloping areas cover 4.54% of the catchment, while

very steep slopes cover only 0.28% of the catchment (fig 4.4).

4.3.4 Aspect

The flat areas in the catchment mostly occur alongside the Satluj river

channel where large terraces have developed as well as at the mountain tops,

particularly in the Guma Khad catchment. These flat areas in the catchment

cover only 4.59% of the total land area in the catchment. The slopes with SW-

W-NW aspect have minimal coverage in the catchment covering 3.35% of the

catchment area. The slopes with NE-E-SE aspect are predominant in the

catchment, which cover 32.40% of the catchment area. The NW-N-NE and

SE-S-SW slopes cover 28.65% and 31.01% of the catchment area,

respectively (See Fig 4.4).

116


SATLUJ RIVER BASIN ASPECT

N

S

Index

I iF'at I B North

I''' I Northeast

m i East m m Southeast

1 ^ 1 South

1 ^ 1 Southwest

BlvVest ^ ^ 1 Northwest

m H North

0 10 20 40 60 80 iKms

Fig. 4.4

117


4.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTECRISTIC OF SATLUJ BASIN

The climatic conditions of the Satluj River Basin are strongly influenced

by orthographic effects. Elevation of 1525 m is the approximate boundary

between areas receiving the majority of precipitation in the form of rain and

those receiving mostly snow. The catchment in the Tibet receive practically no

rainfall and precipitation is mostly in the form of snow. The catchment

receives precipitations due to south-west monsoons as well as due to the

western disturbances that pass over the north-west part of the country during

winter. South west monsoon generally last from June to September but may

occasionally extend up to early October. Precipitation during this period falls

as rain is generally not heavy but at times may contribute significantly towards

flood run-off. The winter precipitation falls either as rain or snow depending

upon attitude and other meteorological conditions and may be very heavy on

occasions but may not contribute directly to river discharge significantly and

mostly goes to feed the snow bound glacier of the catchment.

The annual precipitation pattern is dominated by the monsoon from

June to September during which 48% of the total rainfall occurs. The

catchment in Himachal Pradesh may be divided into two portions i.e.

downstream of Rampur where rainfall is more and upstream of Rampur where

the rainfall is less (fig 4.5). ..

4.4.1 Temperature

In the basin, the temperature generally starts rising from the beginning

of the month of March till June which is the hottest month of the year. The

mean minimum and maximum temperatures observed are around 15.6° C

and 24 C° respectively. With the onset of monsoons by the end of June,

temperature begins to fall. The rate of drop in day temperature is considerably

less than the rate of drop in night temperature. After the withdrawal of

monsoons by mid-September, the night temperature falls rapidly. The month

of January is coolest month with the mean maximum and minimum

temperatures of around 8.9°C and 1.7°C respectively. During winters under

the influence of western disturbances, the temperature falls appreciably and it

may go even below 0°C.

118


78'0'0"E 78*30'0"E

76°30-0"E 78°0'0"E

Fig. 4.5

119


4.4.2 Humidity

Humidity levels recorded in the basin are generally low throughout the

year except during monsoon months. During summer season, humidity is

lowest (36%) while in monsoon season it goes as high as 80-90%. The

highest levels of humidity (91%) are observed in the month of August. The

average humidity during synoptic hours is 53% and 62% respectively.

4.4.3 Soil Quality in the Basin

In catchment area of Shimla district, the soil is generally shallow in

depth except in the areas having vegetation cover where it is fairiy deep. In

the regions above 1,500 m the soil is generally deep. Largely the soil can be

classified as podzols, brown podzols, humus and iron podzols. These are

acidic in nature with the organic content ranging from medium to high.

Nutritional survey of soil and plant analysis suggest that the soils by and large

have low levels of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B) and Molybdenum

(NBBS, 2000).

4.4.4 Sedimentation Aspects

The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board had initiated a

sediment-sampling programme at several gauging stations in the actual river

system. The long time series sampling intervals have helped various studies

in assessing future impacts on the actual projects.

The total suspended load for the Spiti River has been reported to be

7.66 million tones/year and for Satluj River of 7.30 million tones. The sediment

transport is estimated by multiplying the discharge by the sediment

concentration. The discharge estimates are based on known cross sections

and velocity measurement carried out with the help of wooden float, floating

for 30m along the river (Sharma, 1991). In this context, it should be noted

that the annual discharge of Spiti River is at average twice the annual

discharge of Satluj River upstream of Khab. The annual sediment transport for

the Spiti has been reported to be equal to 7.84 million tones and 7 million tons

for Satluj.

Snowmelt and the related erosion processes (rapid mass wasting in

combination with glacier run-off) and the local influences (i.e. process

120


activities closer to the sampling point) are of great importance. These

processes vary in magnitude and frequency between individual years and

therefore the concentration figures cannot fit into a standard sediment-rating

curve.

4.4.5 Natural Fauna

4.4.5.1 Forest Cover in Satluj Basin

Due to large differences in altitude and precipitation, the vegetation

types in this region range from tropical to alpine. In the lower regions, the

vegetation type is tropical. The temperature in this part is high and receives a

large amount of rainfall especially during the monsoon. The prevailing forest

types In this part are mainly sal and mixed deciduous. On the southern slopes

of the Himalayas, the temperature is low, reaching even zero degree in winter.

Temperate forests consist of temperate mixed deciduous coniferous forests,

blue pine forests, deodar forests and oak forests. These areas receive a very

large amount of rainfall during the monsoon, because of convection of the

monsoon clouds that come from the south. At higher altitudes climate

changes into alpine, being very dry and often temperature below zero in

winter. Because of these low temperatures and very small amount of

precipitation, most of this region is barren (Negi, 1989).

Distribution of various species follows fairly regular altitudinal

stratification. The vegetation varies from dry scrub forests at lower altitudes to

alpine pastures at higher altitudes. In between these two extremes, distinct

vegetation zones of mixed deciduous forests, bamboo, chil, oak, deodar, kail,

fir and spruce, are found. The altitudinal variation in Satluj basin leads to

variation on forest types. The various forest types reported in Satiuj basin is

as below:

121


Table No. 4.1 Major Forest Types of Satluj Basin

1 Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest

2 Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forest

3 Dry bamboo Breks

4 Himalayan Sub Alpine Fir Forest

5 Himalayan Kharso oak Forest

6 Himalayan Dry Tempreate Freest

7 Mixed Broad leaved Coniferous Forest

8 Coniferous Pine Forest

9 Western Mixed Coniferous Forest

(Source: Unpublished Records, Department of Forest, Government of HImachal)

4.4.5.2 Wildlife in Entire Satluj Basin

Wide altitudinal ranges and varied topography of Satluj basin has

resulted in making the state a very rich repository of wild fauna and flora.

Wildlife of an area is directly related to the characteristics of the habitat i.e.

availability of the food and water, nature and density of flora prevalent in the

area along with other factors like slope, climate, prevalent anthropogenic

activities, etc.

The fauna of the upper basin i.e. cold desert is of special concern as

most of the endangered, endemic and rare species of wildlife are reported

form this region. A large variety of carnivore of endangered/ rare status such

as Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Black Bear, Himalayan weasel,

Yellow Throated martin, Wooly hair Wolf, and Common Leopard, the

herbivores are of various types of which Ibex, Serow, Blue Sheep, Thar, Musk

deer, Ghoral and Barking deer. The lower basin of the Satluj represents the

different fauna such as Jungle cat, Bengal Fox, Indian Porcupine, Wild Boar,

Common Palm Civet, Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Ghoral and

Leopard amongst mammals and pheasants including Cheer and White

Crested Kaleej abound.

122


4.4.5.3 Geology and Rock Structure of Satluj Basin

Geologically the Himalayas are one of the youngest erogenic belts and

therefore, represent sunstainble regions of the earth. Since the Himalayas lie

in the sutures of Indian and Chinese plates, regular tectonic movements have

taken place including frequent earthquakes, landslides, etc. Regionally the

Satluj Basin area belongs to Jutogh series of formation, which is corelatable

to the archaen group of rocks. These are oldest sedimentary system which

have been metamorphosed and occur more or less as a continuous band

between the central axis of higher Himalayas and the outer ranges. The

Jutogh series comprise of gneisses, quartzites, slates, limestones and schists.

In the area, south of Khab in Kinnaur District up to Spillo, and around Satluj

River, the rocks in general are highly folded granites, phyllites, low grade

schist, slates granite, and schists .

Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of Himachal portion of Satluj basin has

been prepared to understand the elevation characteristics (Fig 4.6). DEM is a

raster image depicting continuous changes in elevation values. The lighter

shades depict higher values of elevations while the darker ones show the

lower values of elevations.

Land use type in Satluj Basin

The steep valley extending up from the valley floor upto an elevation of

2800 m is predominantly grassland and settlements with some forest stands

and shrub cover. From elevation ranging from 2800 to 3700 m, the forest

growth is dense due to lesser human interferences. Above the treeline, alpine

meadows extend to the exposed rock of the mountain peaks. A variety of

Pines {Pinus longifolia, Pinus wallichiana, Pinus gerardina), Deodar {Cedrus

deodara), Spruce (Picea smithiana) and Fir {Abies pindrow), form a broad belt

of vegetation along both sides of the Satluj valley and the side streams

between the cliffs of the gorge.

123


TCaCCTE

I I

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN

ELEVATION

N

S _g

Elevation (In Meters) ^ ^ ^ Below 1000

^ ^ 1001 - 2000

( ^ ^ 2001 - 3000

( ; [ ^ 3001 - 4000

^ ^ 4001 - 5000

^ ^ ^ Above 5000

I TTTTCTE

0 10 20 40 60 80 iKms

Fig. 4.6

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Table 4.2 Land use Type in Study Area

1 Agriculture land 10.95

2 Fallow land 0.05

3 Plantation 0.25

4 Land without scrubs 1.68

5 Forest land 24.96

6 Water bodies 0.69

7 Snow covered area 37.87

8 Settlements 0.21

9 Barren land 20.16

10 Grassland 3.16

(Source : Satellite Imagery, Landsat ETM+, 2005)

Gerardians (Chilgoza Pine) abound the area and its edible nuts fetch

good prices to the locals and it is their main source of income. On the left side

of the valley with northern exposure, forests are observed at a much lower

elevation towards the river than they do on the right bank, as reduction in

exposure to sunlight restricts the spread of vegetation. Scrub predominantly in

cold desert area from 3600 to 5500 m. The vegetation is sparse discontinuous

and scattered represented by shrubs having high medicinal values. The

cultivation is possible in small terraces of holdings in the high hills and the

khad basins in most parts. In the valleys cultivation is spread over vast areas.

It is only in the valleys that the land is flat and cultivation is done (Fig. 4.7).

4.5 HYDRO ELECTRIC POTENTIAL OF RIVER SATLUJ

As per the study on "Reassessment of Hydro electric Potential carried

out by CEA during 1978-87, a total of 30 HE schemes (Fig 4.8) with a

potential of 7661 MW at 60% load factor and corresponding to a probable

installed capacity of 11574 MW were identified in the Satluj sub basin.

4.5.1 Hydro Projects under Operation In Satluj Basin

Seven major and medium hydro projects located in Himachal Pradesh

with installed capacity of 4446.75 MW are under operation in the Satluj Basin

the projects are as:

125


i) Nathpa Jhakri Project-1500MW

The 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Project being implemented by Nathpa

Jhakri Power Corporation Ltd. (NJPC) a public sector undertaking under the

Ministry of Power, derives its name from the names of two villages in the

vicinity Nathpa (District Kinnaur) and Jhakri (Distt.Shimla). Nathpa is a village

in district Kinnaur where the Dam and desilting chambers of NJHEP have

been constructed. Nathpa is situated in Nichar Block of Kinnaur District.

Jhakri on the left bank of river Satluj in the district Shimla, at a distance of

about 12 Km from Rampur Bushahr.

The project has had a chequered history and has remained in

controversy all through. The Project was conceived in the late 1960s when

Mr. K.L. Rao, the then Union Minister for Irrigation and power, visited the site

and found the project an attractive proposition. Then its foundation stone was

laid by Mr. Bhajan Lal, the then Haryana Chief Minister in 1981. However, it

turned out to be a non-starter. Another effort to start work on the project was

made in 1989 after forming a joint corporation with the centre having a 75%

equity. The project got going after the late Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi,

launched the construction work with the inaugural blast on April 13, 1989.

The country's largest hydroelectric project, earned the distinction of

having the largest underground desilting complex, Asia's largest underground

power house and one of the longest power tunnel in the world. In all 58 lakh

cubic metres of earth was excavated for the project which was equivalent to

drilling a hole of 75 cm diameter across the globe. The excavated material

could be spread into 8 m wide and12.5 cm thick carpet on the Great Wall of

China. In all 3.20 lakh tonnes of steel was used which was enough to lay a

rail line alone the quadrilateral connecting the four metropolis of the country.

The 14 million bags of cement used in the project will be sufficient to provide a

75 cm wide pavement around the earth.

126


r" _ J I TS'SO'O-E

I

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN

LANDUSE / LANDCOVER w

I 78'Offt

Fig. 4.7

127


Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Electric Project Some Salient Features

NathpaJhakri Hydro Electric Project (1500 MW) is a run of the river

scheme. It has a concrete gravity diversion dam at Nathpa village of Kinnaur

district of Himachal Pradesh to divert 486 cumecs of water through 4 Nos

power intake (Souvenir, 2003). After diversion, water is desilted through

desilting chambers which can desilt the particles upto the size of 0.2 mm.

Each chamber which is 525 m long 16.31 m wide and 27.50 m deep the

largest underground complex for the desiltation of water in the world. The

desilted water then is carried through a 27.39 km long head race tunnel

having 10.15 m diameter which terminates in a 21.6/10.2 m dia and 301m

deep surge shaft. The tunnel of the project is longest power tunnel in the

world and the surge shaft also has a distinction being the deepest in the

world.

There are three circular steel lines pressure shafts, each of 4.90 m dia

and 571 to 622 m length each bifurcating into two Branch Tunnels of 3.491 m

dia to fed six generating units of 250 MW each.

The six generating units with Francis turbines of 250 MW each in an

underground Power House with a cavern size of 222 m x 20 m x 49 m to

utilize a design discharge of 405 cumecs and a design head of 425 m.

The water then passes through Draft Tubes to the collection gallery for

discharging the water back into the river Satluj through 10.15 m dia 982 m

long Tail Race Tunnel and Tail Race outfall structure (Water and energy

2008).

The project also has an underground Transformer Hall having size of

196 m X 17.5 m X 27.4 m and a surface Switch Yard for evacuation of Power

Grid Corporation Ltd. Power is evacuated to Northern Grid through 400 KV

transmission systems. The first unit of 250 MW of the country's largest project

was commissioned on 14"̂ October, 2003. The balance units of 250 MW each

were commissioned on May, 2004.

128


76"30'0"E 77-0'0"E 7r30"0"E 78°0'0"E 78°30'0"E

s-^ 1

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN HYDRO-ELECTRIC PROJECTS w-

Legend

Drainage

* HEPs Proposed

it HEPs Under Construction

if HEPs Under Operation

77*30*0"E 78°0'0"e 78°30'0"e

Fig. 4.8

129


ii) Bhakra Dam -1200MW

The construction of this dam was started in the year 1948 and was

completed in 1963. It is 740 ft. high above the deepest foundation as straight

concrete dam being more than three times the height of Qutab Minar. Bhakra

Dam is the highest Concrete Gravity dam in Asia and Second Highest in the

world. There are two power houses namely Left Bank Power Plant and Right

Bank Power Plant. It is a Concrete straight gravity with Height above the

deepest foundation equal to 225.55 metres (740 feet) Its Height above river

bed is 167.64 metres (550 feet). The elevation at top of dam above mean sea

level is equal to 518.16 metres (1700 feet). The total installed capacity of left

bank power plant is 450 MW - 5 units of 90 MW each and of the right bank

power plant is 600 MW - 5 units of 120 MW each detail.

iii) Karcham - Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project-1000 MW

Karcham - Wangtoo Hydel Project has been contemplated as a power

generation development on Satluj river in District Kinnaur of Himachal

Pradesh. The project has been allotted to M/S Karcham Hydro Corporation

Ltd. New Delhi. The annual generation of this project has been envisaged

4560 MU. The MOD for the execution of the project was signed between the

HP Govt, and M/s Jai Parkash Industries Ltd., New Delhi on 28.8.93 and

implementation agreement was signed on 18.11.99 followed by a Tripartite

Agreement between the Govt, of HP, M/s Jai Parkash Industries Ltd., and M/s

Jaypee Karcham Hydro Corporation Ltd., on 30.12.2002. This project

comprises of the following components:

1. A concrete gravity dam about approx. 98 m high above the deepest

foundation level.

2. The dam has a 6 sluice spillway bays of size 9 m (W) x 9 m (H).

3. A 10.48 m diameter, 17.2 km long head race tunnel,

4. 4 nos. pressure shafts of 4.75 m dia, 290.5 m long each

5. An underground power-house with 4 x 250 MW installed capacity,

transformer hall

6. A 909 m long, 10.48 m dia tail race tunnel.

130


iv) Baspa Hydel Project -il (300 M W)

The MOU and implementation agreement of execution of the Baspa -II

HEP were signed by the Himachal government with M/s Jai Parkash

Industries Ltd. New Delhi during 1991-1992. The power purchase agreement

had been signed on 4.6.97 and supplementary PPA signed on 28.2.2003. The

financial package stands submitted to CEA of the Himachal government for

approval. M/s JHPL had given the three units as 15.4.2003, 30.4.2003 and

15.5.2003 respectively.

This hydro electric project is located on river Baspa with three unit of

100 MW each. The project was commissioned during May 2003.The project

comprises of the following components:

1. A 67.0 m long barrage on river Baspa

2. 4 no. radial gates, 4 no .barrages bays each having 13 m width.

Out Fall of Baspa HEP

Photo Plate 4.2

131


3. The live storage available between FRL 2531 m and MDDL 2527.5 m

Is 0.75 M cum.

4. A HRT 4.0 m dia, 7951 m long.

5. An underground surge shaft, 6/8 dIa, 121m high

6. 3.1 pressure shaft 95.18m long.

7. An underground power house with a total installation of 300 MW .

iv) Sanjay Vidhut Pariyojna (Bhaba)-120 MW

The Bhaba hydro electric project is a run off the river scheme located in

the tribal district of Kinnaur, of Himachal Pradesh. The Pariyojana, utilizes the

water of the Babha Khad, a tributary of the of the river Satluj. This scheme

envisage construction of a partially gated low wire across the Bhaba Khad at

Kafnoo village to divert a discharge of 17 cumes with capacity of 120 MW of

power in an underground power house operating under a gross head of 931.5

m. A 50 X 25 m X 6 m. disilting tank designed for eliminating particles upto

size 0.2mm, a concrete lined storaged reservoir with a line storage capacity of

about 19.4 m, a 2.5 m. D shaped 5.5 Km. long head race tunnel, a restricted-

orifice type 4.5 m dia. and 92 m. high surge tank and a penstock 2.14/1.94 m.

dia, 1423 m long trifurcating near the powerhouse complex into 150 m.

diameter branches and a 4m. D shaped at an altitude of 8000 feet. The power

house comprises the value house carven 50 x 6 x 12 m. high, the machine

hall caven 71 x 14 x 18 m. high .housing three vertical axis pelton turbine

driven generating units of 40 MW each and a transformers cum switchyard

cavern 71 x 14 x 18 m. high, housing the transformers. Bhaba project is

popularty known as Sanjay Vidhut Pariyojana.

v) Ghanvi (I) -22.5 MW

This power station with two units of 11.25 MW each is located on

Ghanvi khad, a tributary of Satluj River, near Jeori town in Shimla district.

During a year this power house generated 82.595 MU of power and the

maximum demand was recorded as 23.1 MW and this power house is

connected with the main grid, through 22/66/220 LV substation Kotla.

132


vi) Bhaba Augmentation Power House Project- 4.5 MW

The scheme is located near Kafnoo village in Kinnaur district. The 4.5

MW installed capacity envisaged a surface power house located about 500 m

upstream of Bhaba weir on left bank, utilizing a gross head of 157 m.

4.5.2 Hydroelectric Projects under Construction in Satluj Basin

I) Kol Dam Project- 800MW

The 800 MW Kol Dam Hydroelectric Project is on Satluj River, about 9

Km upstream of 900 MW Dehar Power Plant of Bhakra and Beas

Management Board on the border of Mandi and Bilaspur districts. The entire

water of the Satluj was diverted through the two diversion tunnels of 14 m.

diameter and length measuring 900 and 934 m. respectively as these tunnels

divert the water of Satluj to a point about 1 Km downstream to facilitate the

construction work of 163 m water high rock cum gravel filled dam with

impervious clay core.

The foundation stone of the gigantic project was laid on June 2000.

The kol Dam Project had been conceived way back in mid 60s, as a major

hydroelectric venture. The first project report of 600 MW capacities had been

submitted to the Central Electricity Authority in 1976. Later, it was revised and

modified to 800 MW which was run off the river scheme in May 1987 and a

techno-economic clearance was granted to it by HPSEB in August 1988. This

project is being executed by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

Kol Dam parallel horse shoe- shaped tunnel of 16.4m diameter one of the

largest in Asia has been completed. Work on other components, including

crest spillway, coffer dams, desilting chambers, power intake and penstock

tunnels is on progress. Also a sprawling 40 Km long reservoir will emerge

upstream of the dam axis submerging over 1,500 hectares of land in Bilaspur,

Mandi, Solan and Shimla districts. This lake will extend up to Tattapani (Photo

Plate 5.30)

133


76*30'0"E 7rO'0"E •

TTSOITE 78"0'0"E 78°30'0"E I

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN HEPs UNDER OPERATION

N

S

Legend Drainage

•^ HEPs Under Operation 0 15 30 60 90 120 iKms

Fig. 4.9

134


At the toe of the dam, a surface power house is being constructed.

Four vertical Francis turbines of 200 MW each are being installed. The project

is basically a run of the river scheme. Also direct drop of 140 metres from the

163 metre-high dam itself would be utilized for generating power. The project

will generate 3,054 million units of power. Of the total power generation,

Himachal Pradesh would get 27% including 12 % free of cost and the balance

15 % without tariff. The power will be evacuated through 400 KV in targeted

transmission system. The infrastructure activities of the project has been

completed and the work on all major components of the project is in progress.

The project was stated to be commissioned in 2011-12, but is running behind

scheduled time.

ii) Rampur Hydroelectric Power Plant- 412 MW

Rampur Hydroelectric Power Plant is one of the India's largest

electricity producing project. The Rampur Hydroelectric Project is envisaged

with an objective to exploit the potential of river Satluj between tail race outlet

of Nathpa Jhakri Project and village Bael downstream of Rampur. The project

is located about 115 km from Shimla town. The project area falls within the

latitudes 77°35' N to 77°43' N and longitudes 31°23' E to 31°30' E. The project

comprises of intake tunnel, cut and cover river crossing, head race tunnel,

surge shaft, penstock, power house and switchyard, tail race channel,

transmission system. The project is designed to divert water from the tail race

pool of Nathpa Jhakri hydroelectric power project (NJHEP) through a 15 km

head race tunnel to a surface power station (located near the village of Bael

on the right bank of the Sutlej), from where the water will be returned to the

river. The water from the Rampur Intake structure will be conveyed through a

484 m long tunnel before it crosses under the river to the right bank through a

43.2m cut and cover conduit, from where it is conveyed via a 10.50 m

diameter head race tunnel of 15.08 km length terminating at a 140 m high, 38

m diameter Surge Shaft. The water will then enter three surface penstocks of

5.4 m diameter each, which bifurcate into 6 branch tunnels of 3.8 m diameter.

These feed six 68.7 MW Francis turbines, housed in a surface power station.

On completion the project would use a gross head of 139 m to generate

135


approximately 412 MW of peaking power and 1,770 GWh of electricity in a

90% hydrological dependable year.

iii) Shongtong-Karcham Hydroelectric Project-450MW

Shongtong-Karchham HEP is a runoff river scheme on the river Satluj

in district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh. The barrage site is near village

Powari and the power house is to be located near village Ralli on left bank of

river Satluj near confluence of river Bapsa with Satluj on NH-22 about 200 km

from Shimla and about 15 km from the district headquarter at Reckong Peo.

The Shongtong Karchham hydro-electric project would generate 450 MW of

energy.

The project envisages the construction of Diversion barrage, intake

structure with 4 intake bays with gates and four intake tunnels passing

through four sedimentation chambers. Head Race Tunnel 8.02 km long

culminating in open surface surge shaft. Three circular steel lined

underground pressure shafts to convey water to 3 francis turbines to generate

(3 X 150 MW) 450 MW of power in an underground power house. Earlier it

was envisaged for 402 MW generation capacity, however, as per approved

hydrology and advice of Central Electricity Authority (CEA) the installed

capacity has been revised to 450 MW taking into consideration the hydrology

more efficient turbine and generator improved flow with in project component

and revised power studies.

iv) Sorang Hydroelectric Project-100MW

The Sorang hydroelectric project is a run of river type development on

Sorang Khad, a tributary of Satluj River in district Kinnaur Himachal Pradesh.

The project consists of construction of trench weir across Sorang Khad at an

elevation of 1943.50 m. The water flow directed shall be fed through 1.540 km

long head race tunnel (HRT) and 183 m long pressure shaft and 970 m long

buried penstock to an underground power house on the left bank of Tikkadda

Khad near the confluence with Satluj river. The Project thus utilizes a head

rated of 667.15 m. to produce 100 MW of power. The power generated at

Sorang HEP is proposed to be fed into HPSEB 220/66KW substation at Kotia

near Jeori and Kunihar in District Solan.

136


The project will export approximately 464 GWh of electricity per

annum. A concrete trench weir with a bottom intake and de-sander is being

constructed across the Khad, approximately 30 m in length and with a

maximum height, from the deepest foundation to the crest of approximately 7

m. The water will be diverted through an interconnecting channel at the

bottom of the weir into a desilting basin before being conveyed into a head

race tunnel, penstock tunnel and surge shaft. The water will pass from the

penstock tunnel into the underground powerhouse that will accommodate two

(2) 50 MW Pelton wheel turbines vertically mounted and coupled with

synchronous generators. The powerhouse will be fitted with a ventilation

tunnel. From the powerhouse the water will be discharged back into Satluj

River, via a tail race tunnel. It will enter the Satluj River immediately

downstream of the power house site. The voltage of the electricity generated

at the generator tenninals will be 11 KW which will be stepped up to 220 KW

at the switchyard of the powerhouse. The switchyard will be located above

ground. The electricity will be exported to the grid via an 18km double circuit

transmission line from SHEP to HPSEB's Kotia Sub-station.

v) Tidong-I Hydroelectric Project - 60MW

Tidong-l Hydroelectric Project located in Kinnaur district of Himachal

Pradesh, is a run-of- the river type development proposed to harness the

hydel potential of river Tidong between Charang and Lambar villages. The

project envisages construction of a concrete gravity dam on the river Tidong

just upstream of Daibu bridge for diversion of a design discharge of 13.45

cumecs, underground desilting arrangement into a 5.036 km long, 2.60 m

finished diameter head race tunnel on the right bank of Tidong river. The

tunnel terminates in a 3.50 m diameter underground surge shaft. The water

from surge shaft shall be further conveyed through 1 no. 2.10 m diameter,

825m long steel surface/underground penstock bifurcating to two generating

units in an underground power house at Lambar. A gross head of 550 m is

available at the power station, which shall be utilized to generate 60MW

(2x30MW) of power.

137


vi) Ghanvi Hydroelectric Project Stage-ll 10MW:

Ghanvi Hydro Electric Project Stage-ll is being conceived a run of river

scheme on Ghanvi rivulet, a tributary of Satluj river. The project is located

near Jeori township about 150 Km from Shimla. The power house site is near

Ghanvi which is about 12 Km from Jeori. This scheme envisages construction

of drop type trench weir near village Rungcha to divert the water. This

diverted water will be conveyed through 1.8 m size. D-shaped 1440 m long

Head Race Tunnel and one penstock bifurcating near power house to feed

two turbines in an underground power house to generate 10 MW of power by

utilizing a gross head of 165 m and designed discharge of 7 cumecs. The

annual energy generation in a 75% dependable year is expected to be 41.63

ML). This project is being executed by HPSEB.

vii) Integrated Kashang Hydroelectric Project 243 MW

Integrated Kashang hydroroelectric project envisages development of

Kashang and Kerang Streams, tributaries of the river Sutlej comprising four

distinct stages as under:

Staqe-I 65 IVIW Kashang Stage-1 HEP (66MW)

Kashang Hydroelectric project has been contemplated as a runoff river

scheme utilizing the waters of Kashang khad, a tributary of Satluj River in

Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The power house is located about 221

kilometres from Shimla on NH-22 and its intake site is about 20 kilometres

from Reckong peo. The project would generate 295.13 million units (MW) in

90 % dependable year: Comprising diversion of the Kashang stream, at

EI.2829 m, to an underground powerhouse located on the right bank of Satluj

near Powari Village, developing a head of approximately 830 m.

Stage-ll and III 130 MW:

This stage comprises comprising diversion of the Kerang stream at El.

2872 m into an underground water conductor system leading to upstream end

of Stage-I water conductor system augmenting the generating capacity of

Stage-I powerhouse, using Kerang waters over the 820 m head available in

Kashang Stage-I powerhouse

138


viii) Kut Hydro Power Project-24MW

The 24 MW Kut Hydro Power Project is a run-of-the river scheme with

the location in village Kut (trench weir) and Power house at Suru, district

Shimla of Himachal Pradesh. The Project will utilize water from Kut Khad, a

tributary of river Satluj and join it at about 2.5km downstream of power house

location. The project will have total installed capacity of 24 MW (3X8 MW),

which is expected to generate 157.68 MU of energy. Kut Energy Pvt. Ltd

(KEPL) is the developer of the project. The generated electricity by the project

is planned to be supplied to NEWNE grid of India.

4.5.3 Proposed Hydroelectric Projects on Satluj Basin

i) Jang! Thopan Hydroelectric Project 480 MW

Jangi Thopan Hydroelectric Project located In Kinnaur district of

Himachal Pradesh envisages utilization of waters of the river Satluj for power

generation on a run of the river type development, harnessing a head of about

186 m. The project with a proposed installation of 480 MW (3x160 MW) would

afford an annual energy generation of 1779.45 GWh The diversion site is

located at Latitude 31° 32" North, Longitude 78° 30' East.

ii) Thopan Powari Hydroelectric Project (3X160=480 MW)

Thopan-Powari Hydroelectric project located in Kinnaur district of

Himachal Pradesh envisages utilization of waters of the river Satluj for power

generation on a run of the river type development, harnessing a head of about

171.92 m. The project with a proposed installation of 480 MW (3x160 MW)

would afford an annual energy generation of 1786.26GWh The diversion site

is located at Latitude 31° 32" North, Longitude 78° 30' East..

139


SATLUJ RIVER BASIN HEPs UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Legend Drainage

* HEPs Under Construction 0 15 30 60 90 120 iKms

Fig. 4.10

140


iii) Luhrl H.E. Project (3X155 =465 MW)

Luhri hydroelectric Project located in Shimla district of Hinnachal

Pradesh envisages utilization of waters of the river Satluj for power generation

on a run of the river type development, harnessing a head of about 128 m.

The project with a proposed installation of 465 MW (3xl55MW) would afford

an annual energy generation of 1825.13. The diversion site is located at

Latitude 30° 15' North, Longitude 77° 15' East. The dam site is about 80 km

from Shimla, the state capital.

iv) Yangthang Khab H.E. Project (3X87 = 261 MW)

Yangthang Khab Hydroelectric Project located in Kinnaur district of

Himachal Pradesh envisages utilization of waters of the river Spiti for power

generation on a run- of-the river type development, harnessing a head of

about 186m.The project with a proposed installation of 261 MW (3x87MW)

would afford an annual energy generation of 938.02 GWh. The diversion site

is located at Latitude 32° 53' North, Longitude 78° 35' East.

V) Tidong (II) H.E. Project (2X35 =70 MW)

Tidong-ll Hydroelectric Project located in Kinnaur district of Himachal

Pradesh envisages utilization of waters of the river Tidong a tributary of Satluj

river for power generation on a run of the river type development, harnessing

a head of about 595.00 m. The project with a proposed installation of 70 MW

(2 X 35 MW) would afford an annual energy generation of 256.18GWh.The

diversion site is located at Latitude 31° 32' North, Longitude 78° 30' East. The

dam site is about 240 km from Shimla, the state capital, on National Highway

22.

vi) Khab-I H.E. Project (3X150=450MW)

The Khab-I HEP located is conceived as a run-of- river development on

river Satluj to tap the hydro power potential of the upper reaches of river Satluj

as it enters in to Indian Territory. The scheme would harness a gross head of

189 m in an installation of 450 MW energy. The diversion work on river Satluj

for this scheme is located at 310 m d/s of Khab, the confluence of river Satluj

& river Spiti in District Kinnaur of HP, about 300 km from Shimla.

141


76*30'0"E 77°0'0"E 77'J0'0"E 7B°0'0"E 78°M'0"E I

SATLUJ RIVER BASIN HEPs PROPOSED

Legend

Drainage

* HEPs Proposed

N

S

0 15 30 60 90

Fig. 4.11

120 iKms

7«'30'0"e

142


vii) Khab II H.E. Project (3X62 =186 MW)

The Khab-ll HEP located in Northern Power region is conceived as a

tail race development of Khab-I HEP (450MW) to tap the hydropower

Potential of the upper reaches of river Satluj. The scheme would harness a

gross head of 83 m in an installation of 186 MW. The water coming out from

the powerhouse of Khab-I HEP after generation is diverted from outfall

arrangement of Khab-I to 9 m dia HRT through Intake structure. The Intake of

Khab-ll/outfall arrangement for Khab-I is located about 4 km downstream of

Pooh village in District Kinnaur of HP about 265 km from Shimla. The

powerhouse is located on left bank river Satluj upstream of confluence of

Tagia Khad with river Satluj.

4.6 CONCLUSION

In Satluj Basin Hydroelectric projects with Installed Capacity of 4337.05

MW are under construction. The projects not yet developed lies in the high

altitude zone and are almost dependent on snow/glacier melt; with potentially

very complex hydrological impacts from climate change as well as

environment and social issues. The major projects yet to kick start are the

Khab storage reservoir as well as run of the river projects in the Spiti river.

The construction of these large hydel projects in Himachal in general and in

satluj in particular has raised many eyebrows and the people's perception of

the environment impact shall be discussed in chapter five.

4.7 REFERENCES

450 MW KHAB - I H. E. Project Preliminary Feasibility Report (2004),

Government of India, Ministry of Power Central Electricity Authority.

Catchment Area Treatment, Plan of Rampur Hydroelectric Project (2005),

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd., Shimla.

Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K. (1968), A Revised Survey of the Forest

Types of India, Department of Forest, Government of India .

DPR LHEP, (2007), Detailed Project Report, Luhri Hydroelectric Project,

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd., Vol. I, Main Report

143


NBSS, (2000), Soils of Himachal Pradesh for Optimizing Land use,

National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning, Nagpur,

Negi, S.S. (1989), Forest types of India, Nepal and Bhutan,. Periodical

Experts Book Agency, Delhi.

Satluj jal Vidut Nigam Ltd. (2003), Souvenir, Cooperate Head Quarter, New

Delhi

Sharma, P.D., Goel, A.K. and Minhas, R.S. (1991), Water and Sediment

Yields into the Satluj River from the High Himalaya. Mountain

Research and Development, Vol.11.

Special issue on 1500 MW Nathpa Jakhri Hydroelectric Project, (2008),

Water and Energy International, Vol. 65, No 2.

Srikantia, S.V., and Bhargava, O.N., (1998), Geology of Himachal

Pradesh, Geological Society of India, Bangalore.

144

Documents

Thdro !Efecfric Uevelofimerti in Sanui iSasinshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/129108/16/12...Hydro Electric Development in Satluj Basin Rampur and Naina Devi range at Bhakra