Chamera Dam, Location, Features, History, Ravi River

The Chamera Dam is a major hydroelectric dam located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, near Dalhousie. Built across the Ravi River, the dam forms the scenic Chamera Lake and plays an important role in hydroelectric power generation in the region. The Chamera project has been developed in different stages, with Chamera-I, Chamera-II and Chamera-III together contributing significantly to the area’s electricity supply. 

Chamera Dam Location, History & Features

• Chamera Dam is located near Dalhousie in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India. It is constructed across the Ravi River and its reservoir is popularly known as Chamera Lake.
• The dam was opened in 1994 and became an important part of the hydroelectric development of the Ravi River basin. The project was developed in multiple stages to increase electricity generation capacity.
• The first stage, Chamera-I, was completed with an installed capacity of 540 MW, generated through three units of 180 MW each.
• The second stage, Chamera-II, has a capacity of 300 MW, with three generating units of 100 MW each.
• The third stage, Chamera-III, became operational from 2012 and has an installed capacity of 231 MW, generated through three units of 77 MW each.
• The Chamera Dam and its surrounding lake have also developed into an important attraction for visitors travelling to the Chamba and Dalhousie region.

• The Chamera Dam has a height of around 140 metres and extends for approximately 295 metres in length. It has a catchment area of about 472.5 square kilometres.
• The water level of Chamera Lake varies between approximately 747 metres and 763 metres, depending on the conditions and inflow.
• One distinctive feature of Chamera Lake is the reported absence of aquatic life, which has made the reservoir suitable for several recreational and water-based activities.

Chamera Dam Hydroelectric Power Project and Importance

• The Chamera Hydroelectric Power Project is important for generating electricity from the water resources of the Ravi River. Its different stages have significantly increased the total power-generation capacity of the region.
• Chamera-I generates 540 MW, while Chamera-II generates 300 MW. Chamera-III adds another 231 MW, making the three stages an important part of Himachal Pradesh’s hydroelectric power infrastructure.
• The project makes productive use of the Ravi River’s water resources and contributes to the development of hydropower in Himachal Pradesh.
• Apart from its role in electricity generation, Chamera Lake has become a popular recreational destination.
• The government and tourism authorities have promoted activities such as boating, kayaking, sailing and other water sports around the lake, making the Chamera Dam and Lake significant from both an energy and tourism perspective.

‹ ›