Dibang Multipurpose Project

About Dibang Multipurpose Project

 

• It is a flood control cum hydroelectric power project planned to be developed on the Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, in Arunachal Pradesh.
• At 2,880MW installed capacity, it will be the country’s biggest hydropower facility.
• It is being developed by India’s state-run National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
• Dibang hydroelectric plant makeup:
  • The project envisages the construction of a 278m-high and 375m-long concrete gravity dam, which will be the highest dam structure in the country.
  • The dam will create a 43 km-long reservoir with a gross storage capacity of 3.85 billion cubic metres.
  • It includes 6 Nos. Horseshoe-shaped head race tunnels of length varying from 300m to 600 m with 9 m diameter, an underground Power House, and 6 Nos. horseshoe-shaped tail race tunnels of length varying from 320m to 470 m with 9m diameter.

 

Key Facts about Dibang River

• It flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states of India. 
• It is an upstream tributary of Brahmaputra.
• Origin: The Dibang originates near Keya pass on the Indo-Chinese border in the Upper Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Tributaries: The Sisar, Mathun, Tangon, Dri, Ithun and Emra are the major tributaries of the Dibang. 
• The Mishmi Hills is found along the upper courses of the Dibang River.

 

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Q1) What is a gravity dam?

A gravity dam is a type of dam that relies on its weight and the force of gravity to resist the pressure of water and other external forces. It is a massive, solid structure typically made of concrete or masonry that spans across a river, valley, or other watercourse.

Source: NHPC signs pact with RITES to construct railway siding for 2,880 MW Dibang project