Hydroelectric Projects in Upper Ganga Basin: Key Dams, Rivers and Environmental Concerns

Context

The Union government informed the Supreme Court that no new hydropower projects should be permitted in the upper Ganga basin of Uttarakhand beyond the seven already commissioned or substantially completed projects.

Read Also: UPSC Daily Current Affairs 2026

Various Projects on the Ganga Basin

• Tehri Pumped Storage Project: On Bhagirathi River (1,000 MW; under development)
• Tapovan Vishnugad Project: On Dhauliganga River (520 MW; under construction; affected during 2021 Rishiganga flood)
• Vishnugad Pipalkoti Project: On Alaknanda River (444 MW; under construction)
• Singoli Bhatwari Project: On Mandakini River (99 MW; commissioned)
• Phata Byung Project: On Mandakini River (76 MW; commissioned)
• Madhmaheshwar Project: Small hydropower project in upper Ganga basin (commissioned)
• Kailganga-II Project: Small hydropower project in upper Ganga basin (commissioned)

Upper Ganga Basin

• Bhagirathi River: Originates from Gangotri Glacier near Gaumukh.
• Alaknanda River: Originates near Satopanth and Bhagirath Kharak glaciers in Uttarakhand.
• Panchaprayag
  • Vishnuprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga rivers.
  • Nandprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers.
  • Karnaprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar rivers.
  • Rudraprayag: Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
  • Devprayag: Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers; from here the river is officially called the Ganga.
• Characteristics: Steep-gradient Himalayan rivers with high hydropower potential, glacial origin and ecologically fragile terrain.

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