Dams In India

Himachal Pradesh Pong Dam

Country	India
Location	Talwara
Coordinates	31°58′17″N 75°56′48″E
Status	Operational
Construction began	1961
Opening date	1974
Owner(s)	Management Board of Bhakra Beas

Dam And Spillways

Type of dam	Embankment, earth-fill
Height	133 m (436 ft)
Length	1,951 m (6,401 ft)
Crest width	13.72 m (45 ft)
Base width	610 m (2,001 ft)
Volume	35,500,000 m3 (46,432,247 cu yd)
Crest elevation	435.86 m (1,430 ft)
Impounds	Beas River
Spillways	6 x radial gates
Type of spillway	Overflow gated chute
Spillway capacity	12,375 m3/s (437,019 cu ft/s)

Reservoir

Creates	Maharana Pratap Sagar
Capacity	8,570,000,000 m3 (6,947,812 acre·ft)
Active capacity	7,290,000,000 m3 (5,910,099 acre·ft)
Catchment area	12,560 km2 (4,849 sq mi)
Surface area	260 km2 (100 sq mi)
Normal elevation	426.72 m (1,400 ft)
Reservoir length	41.8 km (26 mi)

Power Station

Commission date	1978-1983[3]
Hydraulic head	95.1 m (312 ft)
Turbines	6 x 60 MW Francis-type
Installed capacity	360

Pong Dam has its another name known as Beas Dam, it is a dam which is earth-fill in nature on the River of Beas which is just on upstream of the Talwara which is situated in the Himachal Pradesh in the country India. The role of the dam is to store water in order to produce hydroelectric power and irrigation. Second phase of this project was started in the year 1961 which was completed in the year 1974.This dam was considered as a tallest dam when it was completed. The lake which was constructed is known as Maharana Pratap Sagar which is now a famous bird sanctuary.

The reservoir known as Maharana Pratap Sagar which is situated in Kangra is forty two Kilometers in length and two kilometers in breadth. This dam is a famous place for sailing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing and Water-skiing etc.

This dam’s Wetland Sanctuary is spread in the area of 40 kilometers and is considered as a biggest sanctuary of fresh water in the country having an area of water of 475 Sq. Km. This place is considered as heaven for migratory birds and for residents as there are various numbers of aquatic fauna as well as this place is also in the list of important international ecological foundations.

According to the description given by the locals, Pong Dam provides unique varieties and landscape. Technically speaking Pong Lake situated near it is about 475 sq. mt. huge. The various spotting opportunities provided by his lake are fishing that could be done in the depth of water to loams of soil.

There are 27 types of species of fishes which are from Gloden Mahseer as well as to Rohu. This Pong Dam is an excitement place for those people who like coarse angler and fishing.

History

This idea to construct a dam on Beas River on first came out in the year 1926 and after that numerous surveys on Indus River along with its tributaries were granted by Government of Punjab in the year 1927. However, the idea of constructing the dam gets declined when the report deemed that this project is difficult due to flood water. In the year 1955 hydrological and geological studies shows the output on the site of Pong with design which was embankment in nature get recommended. In the year 1959 thorough studies were taken place and recommended a dam along with gravity section. After that final design was prepared and had got acceptance and construction was begun in the year 1961. This construction was the 2nd phase of this project. The first phase is known as Pandoh Dam which is 140 kilometers in length which was completed in the year 1974. However, power station got sanctioned in the year 1978 to 1983. However, the negative side shows that 150000 people were dislocated when this project was started and this is because planning for relocation was not in order by Government Departments.

Design

The height of the Pong Dam is 133 feet and 1951 meter long a dam which is embankment and earth-fill along with gravel shell. This dam is 13.72 meter i.e. forty five feet wide in its crest and 610 meters wide in its base. However, the total capacity of Pong Dam is 35500000 Cubic Meter and the elevation of the dam is 435.86 meters i.e. 1430 feet above sea level. Location of dam’s spillway is situated on the southern bank and its shape is chute-type which is being controlled by 6 gates of radial. Discharge capacity which is maximum is 12375 m3 i.e. 437019 cu ft/s. Reservoir which is being constructed by dam known as Maharana Pratap Sagar is having a total capacity known as 8570000000 m3 i.e. 6947812 acre-ft  and out of which 7290000000 m3 i.e. 5910099 acre-ft is active in nature and having a live capacity. Normal elevation of the reservoir is 426.72 meters i.e. 1400 feet and the area of catchment is 12560 km2 which is 4849 sq. ft. Reaching from dam reservoir is 41.8 kilometer in length and covering surface of reservoir is 260 km2 i.e. 100 sq. mt. In the base of the dam power house is located the supply to this power house is through penstocks and each penstock meet sixty MW Francis turbine-generator which is located inside the power house. The elevation of dam’s power house is maximum which 95.1 meters i.e. 312 feet in the hydraulic head of the dam.

Attractions

At the back side of the dam is reservoir and a very well known wildlife sanctuary. However, increase in tourist have allowed the authorities of management to organize some water sports such as water skiing, sailing, rowing and canoeing. Although facility of training regarding these sports are also provided here and there is a provision of latest types of facilities such as seventy five bed hostels and a rest house of ten suits.

Chintpurni

Chintpurni is a place which is located twenty kilometers from the place known as Pragpur. It is temple which is devoted either to Goddess Durga or Parvati. However, according to the mouth of legends they say that Paravati’s feet were fallen in Chintpurni. Numerous numbers of devotees visit here for boons pray. Construction of temple is surrounded by Parvati’s Pindi. Now, this Pindi reflects the feet of Parvati as well as her expression also. It is believed by the visitors if someone visits here then whatever desire one is having is going to fulfill if one worships her. This temple is very popular and it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.

Jwalamukhi Temple

Jwalamukhi Temple is considered as a very old temple which is located in Pragpur and famous as the Shaktipithas of the country. This temple is completely dedicated to the Goddess known as Jwalamukhi, considered to be the Goddess with burning mouth, incarnation of Sati Goddess.

Nine different types of flames are describing the Devi however; there are no idols of this temple. Every flame reflects one Goddess, although the main Goddess which is assumed is Goddess Kali.

Different places of this temple has different types of flames in order to symbolize Goddess Known as Anjana, Lakshmi, Ambika, Vidhya Vasini, Chandi, Hinglaj, Annapurna and Saraswathi.

There are Gold Umbrella and a brass bell which is gifted by Emperor Akbar and the other one is gifted by Nepal King.
There are fairs which are organized annually in the months of March and April and in the month of September and October which is the time of Navaratri festivals.

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