Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake Latest News

The Meghalaya government recently announced that Lumpongdeng Island in the middle of Umiam Lake will be kept out of the proposed luxury resort project, following protests and concerns raised by local stakeholders.

About Umiam Lake

• Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is a man-made reservoir in the state of Meghalaya 15 km north of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya.
• It is encircled by lush green East Khasi hills.
• History: 
  • It was created in 1965 as part of the Umiam Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project, which was the first hydroelectric project in Northeast India. 
  • The project was initiated by the Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) with the assistance of the Government of India and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
  • The project involved the construction of a dam across the Umiam River, which is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. 
  • The dam is 2200 feet long and 95 feet high. It has four turbines that generate 60 MW of electricity. 
• Source of Water: The confluence of the two streams, Umkhrah and Umshvrpi, forms the Wah Ro-ro stream in the northwest of the town and joins River Umiam, the main source of water for the lake.
• The principal catchment area of the lake and dam is spread over 220 square km, which includes Shillong and its adjoining areas.
• It is a popular venue for the water sport and adventure facilities.

Source: TP

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