Ranjit Sagar Dam – The Powerhouse of Punjab

The Ranjit Sagar Dam, which is locally known as the Thein Dam, is a part of a hydroelectric project initiated by the Government of Punjab. It is constructed on the Ravi River which runs in the border of the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. This dam is situated in the Pathankot city in the Pathankot district in Punjab, and the Basohli tehsil of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. 60% of the manmade lake in this hydroelectric project is located in Jammu and Kashmir. This project is the largest hydroelectric dam in Punjab and the township which surrounds this dam is called the Shah pur Kandi Township. The project began in 1981 and was opened for use and public viewing in March of 2001. The dam offers great scenic views to visitors, which makes it a tourist destination for all.

This dam is used for both irrigations as well as for power generation. Water from this dam is used to irrigate the farmlands and crops of all states that border it as well as the township nearby. It has a 600 Megawatt capacity which makes it one of the more powerful electricity generators in the country. If used to its full capacity, this dam has the power to eliminate power cuts from the major parts of Punjab. However, to prevent the wastage of five thousand to six thousand cusecs of river water, the authorities at the Ranjit Sagar Dam always make sure not to use all four of the dam’s turbines, each having a 150-megawatt capacity, thus bringing the total to 600 megawatts.

The dam is also one of the highest earth-fill dams in India. Earth fill dams or embankment dams, which are also called as earth dams are built by compacting many layers of earth and using these materials to form a core by placing permeable materials on the upstream and downstream sides to allow water to trickle through.

The Ranjit Sagar Dam also has the largest diameter penstock pipes in the country. A penstock pipe is a gate that controls water flow from the Ravi river and delivers the water to the hydro turbines and sewerage systems of the dam.

History

Studies that examined the feasibility of the project construction, and whether the dam would be a success began in 1953 and continued till 1980 when it was concluded that construction of the dam would be a success and would benefit all those involved. The construction of the dam was steeped in controversy, as all dam constructions are. The construction of the dam would cause unimaginable losses to the locals due to land acquisition by the government. The governments of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir also had to fight over their respective claims over the Ravi river, which ran through both the states and had to be divided equally.

The issue was resolved when the Government of India decided to construct a barrage that would allow both states to enjoy equal rights over the dam and the electricity generated from it. Barrages would help Jammu and Kashmir irrigate the districts of Samba and Kathua. The Government of Punjab also agreed to share the electricity produced by the Ranjit Sagar Dam.

Despite all the issues, the dam was finally constructed and remains one of the most beautiful dams in the country as of today.

Another fascinating thing about the dam is that recently, a Water Sports Academy was announced in Basohli, which is about 56 km from Pathankot. This Academy is set to be the first of its kind in North India and will encourage water sports like swimming, rowing, water polo, synchronized swimming, etc. For this purpose, advisors to the Jammu and Kashmir Governor, namely Mr. K Vijay Kumar, Mr. K K Sharma, and Mr. K Skandan paid a visit to the Ranjit Sagar Dam to inspect and analyze the quality of the tourist facilities at the dam and check on the progress of construction of this Water Sports Academy, for which 3 crore rupees have been earmarked. Construction of this Academy would substantially increase tourism and the economy of the area, as well as bring a lot of recognition to young and budding water sport athletes who do not have the proper facilities to train as water sports in India are highly underrated.

Last year, the water levels in the Ranjit Sagar dam touched 520.43 meters on the 29th of August, which is much higher than that of last year. This is all thanks to the efforts of the PSPCI and the Irrigation Dept of the Government of Punjab.

An official of the Ranjit Sagar Dam has said that the water level of the Dam on the 7th of April this year, 2019 was 495.65 Meters. The Governments of all the nearby states which make use of the dam and its facilities are dedicated to ensuring that the dam is used to its full capacity and that the water and the hydroelectricity generated from the dam be used to the maximum.

Visiting the Dam

The Ranjit Sagar Dam is located in a very serene and idyllic location. It is at a drive-able distance from Pathankot and the drive is also very scenic and enjoyable.

Important note: To be able to enter the dam, visitors will need a permission note from the authorities.

This note can be obtained at the Juigal barrier which is about 15 kilometers from the Ranjit Sagar Dam. The officers at this barrier will be able to give you a permission slip. To get this permission slip, you will need to present a valid, government-issued identity proof. Upon receiving this slip you can proceed on to the dam. Many tourists are unaware of this fact and waste many hours going back and forth from the barrier to the entrance. Hopefully, this tip will save you a lot of time!

A few tourist dedicated cottages are surrounding the dam where the tourists can stay after paying a certain amount. The booking and payment for these cottages can only be done at the entrance to the dam. The cottages offer a serene, calm stay for tourists and everyone who visits the dam must spend a day at these cottages. However, there are only a limited number of cottages and they are given out on a first come first serve basis. If you want a cottage you must get there early and book one before the rush comes in.

Tourists will also be allowed to enter the building where the electricity is generated and get a view of how things work on the inside and learn about dams in the process. If one visits the place in the monsoon seasons, you can see the lake brimming with water, which is a very beautiful sight. One must not miss the opportunity of seeing the entire lake and even touching the clear, cool water. The staff is very helpful and will explain everything so articulately that your vacation will become educational as well!

One can also see the newly constructed wire bridge, the second of its kind in our country. The views from the bridge as well as the pictures taken are very aesthetic and visually pleasing. The dam is the perfect spot for people of all ages, old, young, middle-aged and teenagers to come and have a pleasant experience.

Another highlight is the flora and fauna that grows in the vicinity of the dam. One will see a lot of migratory birds visit, depending on which time of the year you visit. Several animals like foxes, wild rabbits, hares and birds can be spotted in the area. Shops and small dhabas selling warm food and souvenirs can be found near the dam which makes it a perfect tourist destination. During public holidays and festivals, the dam becomes highly crowded which makes it difficult to enjoy its scenic beauty and thus it is recommended that you visit the dam during the weekends or weekdays.

It is best to visit the dam during August or September when the lake is full and the scenery is at its best. During the summer, the lake is dry and the scenery is not as appealing. The best time of day to visit is during mid-day, as one can get a quick lunch from the dhabas nearby and enjoy the warm sun and the pleasant breeze. The climate in the area is always pleasant which makes the experience so much more enjoyable for everyone.

Things to Do In the Area

The dam is situated near Pathankot, on the border between Jammu, Kashmir and Punjab – three states that enjoy heavy tourist traffic. Thus, the tourist attractions in the area are immense and are listed down below. Do make sure to visit all the attractions and have a marvelous holiday in the lap of nature. You can visit the Kathgarh Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Shahpurkandi Fort, Kali Mata ka Mandir, Nagini Temple, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Novelty Mall, Ashapurni Mandir and the Hydraulic Research Station.

This holiday would not only be enjoyable for you but also educational and would offer quality bonding time with your family and friends. If you like learning and also enjoying nature, then this is the place for you. The dam is the perfect spot not only for families but also for couples, friends and simply to enjoy a picnic spot and take some photos. The upcoming Water Sports Academy also adds appeal to the spot, making it one of the lesser-known and highly underrated tourist spots in India.