Overview:
Commissioned in 1977, the Dehar–Pandoh system is a 990 MW run-of-the-river project that diverts water from the Beas River at Pandoh Dam and channels it through a 38 km-long system to the Dehar Power House on the Sutlej River. This inter-basin transfer is a rare hydrological marvel, forming the backbone of the Beas–Sutlej Link, and is operated by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
📍 Location & Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pandoh Dam Location | Mandi district, near NH-3 (19 km upstream of Mandi town) |
| Dehar Power House Location | Near Slapper, on the Sutlej River, ~12 km from Sundernagar |
| Coordinates (Pandoh Dam) | 31.6714°N, 77.0669°E |
| Dam Height | 76 meters (249 feet) |
| Installed Capacity | 990 MW (6 × 165 MW Francis turbines) |
| Commissioned | 1977 |
| Operator | BBMB |
| River Diversion | Beas to Sutlej via tunnels and channels |
🏗️ Engineering Highlights
- Beas–Sutlej Link:
Water from the Beas is diverted at Pandoh Dam into a 13.1 km tunnel, then flows through the Sundernagar Hydel Channel and another 12.35 km tunnel to reach the Dehar Power House. - Surge Shaft & Penstocks:
A 125-meter-high surge shaft and six penstocks feed the turbines at Dehar, ensuring pressure regulation and efficient flow. - Hydraulic Head:
The system utilizes a gross head of 335 meters, enabling high-efficiency generation. - Silt Management:
Due to heavy Himalayan silt, two turbines undergo capital maintenance annually, making it one of the most challenging plants to operate.
🌄 Scenic & Cultural Context
- Pandoh Lake:
The dam creates a tranquil reservoir surrounded by pine forests—visible from NH-3 and a popular photo stop for travelers heading to Manali. - Dehar Site:
Located near Slapper, the powerhouse is not open to the public, but the surrounding Sutlej valley offers scenic drives and glimpses of the infrastructure. - Nearby Towns:
- Mandi (19 km from Pandoh)
- Sundernagar (12 km from Dehar)
- Bilaspur and Shimla are within 100–150 km radius
🧭 Accessibility
- By Road:
- Pandoh Dam is on NH-3, easily accessible from Mandi and Kullu
- Dehar Power House is near NH-154, close to Sundernagar
- By Train:
Nearest major station: Joginder Nagar (narrow gauge) or Kiratpur Sahib (broad gauge) - By Air:
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu) (~70 km from Pandoh)
⚖️ Environmental & Strategic Significance
- Inter-Basin Transfer:
One of India’s few projects that connects two major Himalayan rivers, enhancing water availability in the Sutlej basin. - Power Distribution:
Supplies electricity to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. - Flood Control & Irrigation:
Regulates Beas flow and supports irrigation downstream in Punjab and Haryana.
