In which District of Himachal Pradesh is Uhal Hydroelectric Project located?
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation:
The Uhal (or Uhl) Hydroelectric Project is located in the Mandi District. It utilizes the waters of the Uhl River, which is a tributary of the Beas River. The project is executed by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB).
📚 Additional Info: Hydro Power in Mandi
1. The Uhl River
- Origin: It rises from the Thamsar Glacier in the Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalayas.
- Course: It flows through the Chota Bhangal area (Kangra) and enters Mandi, where it meets the Beas River near Mandi town.
2. Shanan Power House (The Historical Link)
- Commissioned: 1932.
- Location: Jogindernagar (Mandi District).
- Significance: It was the first hydroelectric project in this region (and one of the oldest in India), built by Col. B.C. Batty.
- Current Status: Although located in HP, it is currently under the control of the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) due to a 99-year lease agreement signed before independence. This lease is a current topic of dispute between HP and Punjab.
3. Stages of Uhl Project
- Stage I: Shanan Power House (110 MW).
- Stage II: Bassi Hydroelectric Project (66 MW) – Located at Bassi (Mandi), uses tailrace water from Shanan.
- Stage III: Uhal Stage III (100 MW) – Located near Chulla village (Mandi), uses tailrace water from Bassi and additional water from Rana Khad.