A STUDY OF LAYOUT OF UNDERGROUND POWERHOUSE IN HIMALAYAS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TEHRI POWERHOUSE

Abstract

The Himalayan rivers are perennial, as they are fed during non-monsoon months by melting of snow and glaciers, besides rainfall during monsoons. The highlands with mountainous relief and abundant flow in rivers make Himalayas ideal site for hydro power schemes to supply electricity. The Himalayan and sub-Himalayan ranges are made up of geologically young mountains. The geology and topography of the region may require an underground power station. Construction of underground power station is however a recent activity in the Himalayas. In the past two decades several underground power stations have been constructed in Himalayas and others are under construction. The topographical and geological condition and alignment of appurtenant works influence the layout of an underground power station on a particular site. Different layouts of such power stations have emerged from the specific requirements of all underground power station and each station has a uniqueness of its own....