Situated near the border of North Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, Bhakra Dam is the highest straight gravity Dam in the world. This four decade old dam lies in the Bhakra village of Bilaspur, which is about 13 km upstream from Nangal township. The idea of construction of Dam goes to the Sir Louis Dane, the then Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The total area covered by the Bhakra Dam is about 168 sq km, of which 90% is the part of Bilaspur and 10% of the area belongs to the Una district. The construction of the Dam began in the year 1948 and was completed in 1963. This concrete arch Dam has been constructed with the blood of 150 martyrs and sweat and toil of around 13, 000 workers and 300 engineers. The Dam is three times taller than the Qutab Minar and occupies the important position on the map of India. It is visited by more than 2 to 3 lakh visitors every year from all over the world.
History of Bhakra Nangal :
The former Prime Minister of India, Pandit Nehru, was the main source of inspiration behind the construction of the Bhakra Nangal Dam. He was supported and supervised by an American Slocum Harvey in his work. Pandit Nehru described the project of Bhakra Nangal as : “Bhakra Nangal project, is something tremendous, something stupendous, something shakes you up when you see it. Bhakra the new temple of the resurgent India, is the symbol of India's progress.” The Dam was dedicated by him for the welfare of the whole nation. The material used to construct this Dam can lay a road of of 8 feet wide across the circumference of earth. The project of Bhakra Dam was completed at the cost of about Rs 245 crores. The tourists coming to pay homage at the Sri Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara and the Naina Devi temple, do-not miss to take the glimpse of the engineering marvel – the Great Bhakra Dam.
Purpose of Bhakra Nangal Dam :
Bhakra Dam also taps water from the River Beas which is used for the purpose of irrigation by the north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. The Dam is at the height of 226 meters and is 90 km long. The view of the vast dam and the surrounding jungles is absolutely marvelous.
Adventure Activities near Bhakra Nangal :
Tourists on the tour to the Bhakra Dam also have the opportunity to try the water sports at the famous Gobind Lake. Gobind Sagar lake is an artificial lake formed as result of the Bhakra Dam on the river Sutlej. The lake is quite popular for the sports such as water skiing, sailing, kayaking, and water scooter racing. You can also witness the holy shrine of the Naina Devi, overlooking the Gobind Lake. Visitors can also go for the jungle safari in the near by wildlife sanctuary. This huge lake feeds water and electricity to several states in north India. It has the cafetaria on the top of the Dam and the provision of accommodation. For tourists the facilities of fishing and boating are also available.
