Overview:
The Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project (KWHEP) is a 1,000 MW run-of-the-river power station on the Sutlej River, located between the villages of Karcham and Wangtoo in Kinnaur district. Commissioned in 2011 and operated by JSW Energy, it is one of the largest private-sector hydropower projects in India. The project is a vital link in the Sutlej basin’s energy corridor, positioned between the Baspa II project upstream and Nathpa Jhakri downstream.
📍 Location & Key Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 31.5432°N, 78.0152°E |
| Elevation at Crest | 1,813 meters (5,948 feet) |
| District | Kinnaur |
| River | Sutlej |
| Installed Capacity | 1,000 MW (4 × 250 MW Francis turbines) |
| Commissioned | 2011 |
| Operator | JSW Energy |
| Dam Type | Concrete gravity dam |
| Dam Height | 98 meters |
| Dam Length | 177.8 meters |
🏗️ Engineering Highlights
- Headrace Tunnel:
A 17.2 km-long tunnel (10.48 m diameter) diverts water from the dam at Karcham to the underground powerhouse at Wangtoo. - Hydraulic Head:
The project utilizes a gross head of 298 meters, enabling high-efficiency power generation. - Tailrace Tunnel:
A 1.2 km-long tunnel returns water to the Sutlej after generation. - Sediment Management:
Includes a 5.25 km-long silt flushing tunnel, the longest of its kind in India, to protect turbines from abrasive Himalayan silt.
🛣️ Accessibility
- By Road:
Located on NH-5, about 200 km from Shimla. The route passes through Rampur, Jeori, and Tapri. - By Train:
Nearest major station: Shimla. From there, taxis or buses connect to Karcham via NH-5. - By Air:
Nearest airport: Shimla Jubbarhatti Airport (~220 km). Chandigarh Airport (~300 km) offers better connectivity.
🌄 Scenic & Cultural Context
- Surroundings:
The dam is set amidst steep cliffs and pine forests, with the Baspa River joining the Sutlej just upstream. - Nearby Villages:
Karcham and Wangtoo are traditional Kinnauri settlements with apple orchards and slate-roofed homes. - Tourist Interest:
While the powerhouse is not open to the public, the dam site and surrounding valleys offer dramatic views and photo opportunities.
⚖️ Environmental & Social Aspects
- Displacement:
Around 31 families were displaced during construction, with compensation and rehabilitation efforts by the developer. - Ecological Concerns:
The project faced opposition from local communities over river diversion and forest clearance. However, mitigation measures like afforestation and silt management were implemented. - Strategic Importance:
Part of India’s Sutlej Basin cascade, the project contributes significantly to the northern grid and supports regional energy security.
🧭 Nearby Attractions
- Baspa II Hydroelectric Project – Just upstream, near Sangla Valley
- Chitkul – The last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border
- Kalpa & Reckong Peo – Scenic towns with views of Kinnaur Kailash
- Nathpa Jhakri Project – Downstream, forming a continuous hydro corridor
