LUHRI H.E.

PROJECT (3X155=465MW)
HIMACHAL PRADESH

1.

INTRODUCTION

Luhri Hydroelectric Project located in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh

envisages utilization of waters of the river Satluj for power generation on a run
of the river type development, harnessing a head of about 127 m.
The project with a proposed installation of 465MW (3x155MW) would afford
an annual energy generation of 2037.15 MU in a 90% dependable year. The
tariff from the project at present day cost would be Rs 1.66.
The diversion site is located at Latitude 30 15' North, Longitude 77 15' East.
The dam site is about 80 km from Shimla, the state capital.The nearest rail
head and airport are located at Shimla.
2.

SCOPE OF WORKS

The Luhri H.E.Project envisages construction of

A 60m high(above river bed) straight gravity type concrete dam

across river Satluj to divert 596 cumecs of discharge;

Four numbers desilting chambers of length 580m(L) and size

14m(W) x25m (H) to remove silt particles of size 0.25mm and
above;

A 15.50 km long and 10.50m diameter head race tunnel terminating

in a surge shaft;

A 147 m high 37 m diameter open to sky surge shaft;

Three no's 220m long, 5.55m diameter pressure shaft;

an underground powerhouse having an installation of 3 Francis

driven generating unites of 155MW each operating under a net
head of 108m.

100m long and 10.50 m diameter tail race tunnel to carry the power
house releases back to the river;

It is proposed to evacuate the power generated at Luhri Project by

Looping in Looping out of 400 kV Jhakari-Hissar D/C line with
TRIPPLE SNOWBIRD conductor at Luhri. As per recommendations
made by PGCIL in their report on master plan for evacuation of power
from various projects located in Satluj basin, this line is proposed to
be LILOed at Rampur.
The Salient features of the project are given at Annex-I and a layout map
at Plate I.
3.

HYDROLOGY

The catchment area of river Satluj at the proposed dam site is about 52403
sq. km. The water availability for the project has been considered on the basis
of 10-daily discharge series at Suni and Rampur. The long term series at
Luhri dam site has been developed on proportionate catchment area basis
from these two sites. The computed series has been utilized for Power
Potential Studies. The design flood has been assessed as 6579 cumecs.
4.

POWER POTENTIAL STUDIES

The computed inflow series for 31 years viz 1972 to 2003 has been
considered in the assessment of a power benefits from the project. As per
GOI notification for tariff the year 1997-98 corresponds to 90% dependable
year. An installation of 465 MW comprising 3-generation units of 155 MW has

been proposed. The energy availability from the project in a dependable and
an average year has been summarized below:
Particulars

Dependable year

Annual Energy Generation

Annual Energy Generation (GWh)

2037.15

Annual Load Factor (%)

64%

Generation during Lean Flow Season (Dec.-Feb.)

Energy Output (GWh)

208.64

Load Factor (%)

24.15

The design energy for tariff at 95% availability in a 90% dependable year has
been worked out at 2037.15 GWh.
A pondage of 67.80 mcm has been provided in the diversion dam which
would enable the station to operate as peaking station.
5.

POWER EVACUATION ASPECTS

It is proposed to evacuate the power generated at Luhri Project by Looping in

Looping out of 400 kV Jhakari-Hissar D/C line with TRIPPLE SNOWBIRD
conductor at Luhri. As per recommendations made by PGCIL in their report
on master plan for evacuation of power from various projects
Satluj basin, this line is proposed to be LILOed at Rampur.

located in

6.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS

The project is located in middle area of upper Satluj valley. Most of the land
falls under the category of forest land. Based on assessment of
environmental impacts, management plans have to be formulated for
Catchment

Area

Treatment,

compensatory

afforestation

and

other

environmental issues. These issues would be addressed during the

investigation for DPR.
7.

ESTIMATE OF THE COST

The project is estimated to cost Rs. 1930.84 crores including IDC at January
2004 price levels. The preliminary cost estimate of the project has been
prepared as per guidelines of CEA/CWC. The break down of the cost
estimates is given below:

8.

Civil works

Rs. 1139.67 Crores

Electro Mechanical works

Rs. 461.73 Crores

Sub total (Generation)

Rs. 1601.40 Crores

Transmission works

Rs.

Total (Hard Cost)

Rs. 1612.26 Crores

Interest During Construction

Rs. 318.58 Crores

Grand Total

Rs. 1930.84 Crores

10.86 Crores

FINANCIAL ASPECTS

As indicated above, the Luhri Hydro-electric project with an estimated cost of

Rs. 1930.84 crores (including IDC of Rs. 318.58 crores) and design energy of
2037.15 GWh in a 90% dependable year is proposed to be completed in a
period of 6 years. The tariff has been worked out considering a debt-equity
ratio of 70:30, 16% return on equity, annual interest rate on loan at 10% and
12% of energy as Free power to Home State available after losses. The tariff

for first year and levellised tariff works out Rs. 2.10 /kWh & Rs. 1.66 /kWh
respectively.
9.

CONCLUSIONS

Luhri hydroelectric project involves simple civil works and could be completed
in 6 years. The project would afford design energy of 2037.15 GWh in a 90%
dependable year. The cost per MW installed works out Rs. 3.92 crores. The
Preliminary Feasibility Report indicates that the scheme merits consideration
for taking up for Survey & Investigation and preparation of DPR.

LUHRI HEP(465 MW)

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

LOCATION
State

Himachal Pradesh

District

Shimla

River

Satluj

Vicinity

Diversion dam site near Village

Nathan & Power House site near
Village Chaba about 80 km from
Shimla (HP).
7715- 7730
3015-3125
52E/7

Geographical co-ordinates
SOI Toposheets
HYDROLOGY
Catchment area at diversion site.

52403 Sq km

Average runoff in 90 % dependable year

9548 MM

Average runoff in 50 % mean year

121131 MM

DIVERSION DAM
Type

Concrete Gravity

Full reservoir level

El 770.00 m.

Maximum pond level

El 773.00 m.

MDDL

El 728.00 m

River Bed Level at

Dam site

El. 709.80m.

LUHRI HEP(465 MW)

SEDIMENTATION CHAMBERS
No. of sedimentation chambers

Width

16m.

Depth

35.5m.

Length

705 m.

Particle size to be arrested

+0.25 mm.

Design discharge

586.00 cumecs.

Flow through velocity

0.3 m/s

HEAD RACE TUNNEL

Type

Horse shoe, concrete lined

Diameter

11 m finished.

Length

15500 m.

Design discharge

586 cumecs.

SURGE SHAFT
No.

One

Type

Restricted Orifice
( Underground )

Diameter

52.00 m

II

LUHRI HEP(465 MW)

Orifice Dia.

5.54 m

PRESSURE SHAFTS
No.

Type

Circular steel lined

(Underground)

Diameter

6.35 m ( Finished )

Length

220.00 m each

Steel Liner
Type

ASTM 537

Thickness

Varies from 15 to 35 mm

POWER HOUSE / TRANSFORMER HALL CAVITY

Type

Underground

Installed capacity

465 MW(3 x 155 MW)

Size of machine hall

123m (L) X 21m (W) x 51m(H)

Size of transformer hall

78m (L) X 16m (W) x 25m(H)

Gross head

128.00m

Net head at 586 cumecs tunnel

discharge

88.00 m

III

LUHRI HEP(465 MW)

ELECTRO- MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

TURBINES
No. and type
Design head

3 nos., Francis turbines

88.00 m

Design discharge

195.33 cumecs

TAIL RACE TUNNEL

Size & Type
shape

11.00 m dia. Horse shoe

Length

150 m

POWER GENERATION
Installed capacity

465 MW

Annual generation
-90% dependable year
-50% dependable year

1825.13 GWH
2060.50 GWH

COST ESTIMATE

( Rs in crores)

Civil Works

1235.70

E-M Works

461.73

Transmission

10.86

Total base cost of

Project (January
2004 price level)

Rs.1708.29 Crores

IV

LUHRI HEP(465 MW)

FINANCIAL ASPECTS
Cost per MW of installed capacity

Rs. 3.49 Crores

Sale rate per unit (at bus bar) 90 % dependable year

First year
Tenth year
Levellised tariff for 35 years
( 12 % discount rate)

Rs. 2.41 per unit

Rs. 1.80 per unit
Rs 1.89 per unit

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

CHAPTER-I
SUMMARY
1.1

GENERAL PROJECT FEATURES

1.1.1

GENERAL
Luhri Hydroelectric Project located in Shimla district of Himachal
Pradesh, is a run-of- the river type development proposed to harness
the hydel potential of river Satluj between Luhri and Chaba villages.
The project envisages construction of a 60m high (above river bed)
concrete gravity dam on the river Satluj near village Nathan for
diversion of a design discharge of 586 cumecs, through four intakes
and underground desilting arrangement into a 15.50 km long, 11.00m
finished diameter head race tunnel on the right bank of Satluj river. The
tunnel terminates in a 52 m diameter open to sky surge tank. The
water from surge tank shall be further conveyed through three no's,
each 6.35 m diameter, 220 long steel penstock to three generating
units in an underground power house at Chaba. A gross head of 128 m
is available at the power station, which shall be utilized to generate 465
MW (3x155MW) of power.

1.2

MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE PROJECT

1.2.1

River diversion works

For the construction of the dam and appurtenant works, the river
diversion is proposed to be done through a diversion tunnel, located on
the left bank of river, capable of carrying non-monsoon flood of 1267
cumecs. Partly constructed works of the concrete dam on the left bank
and in the river portion shall be allowed to be over topped during
monsoon period.

I.1

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

Coffer dams shall be constructed up-stream and down-stream of the
dam axis near the inlet & outlet portals of the diversion tunnel every
year after the monsoons.
1.2.2

Diversion dam
It is proposed to construct a straight gravity type concrete dam, 60 high
(above river bed) near Nathan Village to divert 586 cumecs of
discharge.
The full reservoir level and the minimum draw-down level will be at El
770 m and 728 m respectively. The diurnal pondage afforded by the
dam would be 12.45 MM3 . The water spread of the reservoir does not
involve any rehabilitation problem, as the area submerged is barren
land without any habitation.

1.2.3

Intake Structure
The intake structure comprising five intakes, proposed on the right
bank of river shall be designed to handle a discharge of 733 cumecs.

1.2.4

Desilting arrangement
An underground desilting arrangement has been proposed on the right
bank of river to exclude silt particles down to 0.25 mm size from the
water before it enters the head race tunnel. The arrangement
comprises five parallel compartments each consisting of

chambers

705 m long, 35.50 m high (including 7.50 m hopper portion) and 16 m

wide.

I.2

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

1.2.5.

Head race tunnel

The head race tunnel, from the junction point at link tunnels from
desilting chambers to the main surge tank, is 15.50 km. long and 11 m
diameter horse shoe in section. The tunnel diameter is based on
techno-economic studies for a discharge of 586 cumecs with a flow
velocity of 5.81 m/sec.

1.2.6

Main surge tank

The main surge tank, located at the intake of the penstock at 15.50 km
from the 0 RD of head race tunnel, will be 52 m dia and 147.00 m high
with a restricted orifice and two horizontal expansion galleries 10 m Dshaped and 150 m long each. A 6.50 m D-shaped adit is proposed at
El 670.00 m to approach the bottom of the surge tank to facilitate
construction. The upper expansion gallery shall be approached for
construction through a 6.50 m D-shaped adit.

1.2.7

Pressure shaft tunnels

Three penstock tunnels, each 220 m long and 6.35 m dia would take
off from the surge tank at an angle of approximately 90 to the
horizontal. These would be lined with high tensile steel corresponding
to ASTM-A-537 varying in thickness from 15mm near the penstock
intake to 35mm at the power house end. Each penstock will feed one
of the three generating units. A spherical valve has been provided in
each penstock branch to enable closing of penstock penstock
whenever required.

I.3

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

1.2.8

Power house
An underground power house of internal dimensions 123 m x 21 m and
51 m high would be located about 130m below the natural surface
level. The power house will have an arched roof with concrete lining
and shall house three generating units, each of 165 MW capacity. The
transformer and underground switch yard (78 m x 16 m x 25 m) are
located downstream of the power house cavern. Shotcrete and rock
bolting at suitable spacing will be provided in these caverns.
Two utility tunnels taking off from the tail race tunnel shall be provided
to approach the bottom portion of the power house and shall facilitates
the excavation of the machine hall, transformer gallery and tail race
surge chamber. To approach the top of the machine hall as also the
top of transformer gallery and tail race surge chamber, an adit is
proposed to be constructed with its portal at EL. 668 m. This adit
shall be used for construction of arch portion and other works from the
top.

1.2.9

Tail race tunnel

The tail race tunnel with 11 m horse shoe section, 150 m long will be
provided to carry the discharge from four draft tube tunnels emanating
from the power house.

1.3

STUDIES UNDERTAKEN

1.3.1

Various alternatives
Four potential diversion sites have been identified, namely Luhri-I,
Luhri-II and Dam site-III & IV. Generally good conditions exist for dam
construction at Nathan dam site, which may be considered as a good
site for a concrete gravity dam. The rock mass is composed of strong
I.4

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

to very long quartz phyllite, with relatively poorly developed cleavage.
Continuous, horizontal structures are apparent on the south side of the
river, with essentially massive quartzite interrupted by widely spaced
planes, which are assumed to be tight cleavage planes. In addition,
near vertical joint surfaces were observed to cross the river valley
obliquely. These usually display a steep dip in the upstream direction
and produce a blocky structure in the valley slopes. The rock may be
suitable for use in the production of aggregates for concrete purposes.
1.3.2

Hydrological Studies

(a)

Hydrology: - Collection of Hydro meteorological data

i)
ii)
iii)

(b)

Water availability studies

i)
ii)
iii)

(c)

Computation of 90% availability and 50% availability

discharges.
Flow duration curve
Power generation in a 90 % and 50 % dependable years

Flood studies
i)
ii)

1.3.3

Discharge data of Satluj river at Rampur

Discharge data of Satluj at Suni
Discharge data of Satluj at Kasol

Flood frequency analysis for Monsoon flood

Flood frequency analysis for Non-monsoon flood.

Initial Environmental studies

i)
ii)

Digitisation of maps (toposheets) with permission of SOI.

Satellite imageries as required from NRSA.
I.5

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

iii)
a)
b)
c)

1.4

Processing of satellite data for the area of interest by the

consultant. The procedure adopted for processing will be: Multi-spectral LISS(23.5m resolution) and Single Band PAN(
5.8 m resolution) data.
Land use classification for the area will be carried out after
geo-referencing the satellite data.
Land use classification consisting of the following
1.
Vegetation crown, Cover (Tree canopy)
2.
Built up areas? Rocky outcrop etc.
3.
Agricultural land (Land on which Agriculture is being
practised currently).
4.
Vegetation density classification (Low, medium, high).
5.
Water bodies
6.
Barren land
7.
Any of the peculiar land use category, as per local
scenario.
8.
Land use pattern.
9.
Vegetal cover/density
10.
Approximate population density.

COST AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS

The estimate of costs has been prepared in detail to arrive at the total
cost of the project. The estimates are based on the prices prevailing in
January-2004.
The detailed estimate of cost of civil works is based on the conceptual
layout plan and preliminary designs of different components of the
works. The layout of different works have been taken after considering
various alternatives and economical layout have been adopted. For
carrying out preliminary design, detailed analysis of rates of different
items of works have been prepared as per Guidelines of CWC
(Guidelines for preparation of project estimate for river valley projectsMarch 1997). The rates for hydraulic gates, hoists and cranes etc. are

I.6

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

based on the prevalent market rates for such works. Apart from main
civil works, the provisions under various other sub-heads are also
based on the Guidelines of CWC.
Cost of generating plant and equipment is based on current budgetary
prices of plants for similar equipment for other projects
Provisions for other items like establishment, audit and accounts etc.
are as per norms of CEA.
The total cost of the project at January 2004 price level excluding
escalation, IDC and Financing Charges works out as under:
Civil
Works

Electrical
Works

1235.70

Crore

461.73

Crore

Transmiss
ion

10.86

Total

1708.29

Crore
Crore

The cost per MW of installed capacity works out to Rs. 3.49 Crore (at
January 2004 price level). Thus, the cost per MW for this project is
quite low, making the project very attractive.
1.5

RECOMMENDATION
Detailed survey's as per CWC guidelines are to be done before
detailed project report to firm up the various components.
I.7

LUHRI HEP (465 MW)

Detailed geological investigations I,e,drill holes at dam site to confirm
the depth to bed rock, drift at various adits and other geological
investigations as per CWC guide lines.

I.8

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER II
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIVER/BASIN/SUB-BASIN

River Satluj rises near Rakas-Tal lake which is fed by lake Mansarover at
about 4570m above mean sea level between Rakas-Tal and Shipkilla,
near the Indian border, the Satluj river takes a North-Westerly course for
a length of about 320 Km in the Tibetan province of Nari-Khorsam. The
Satluj is joined by several tributaries in Nari-khorsam such as Changchu,
Drama Yankti, Chonak, Manglan, Transuo, Summa, Trap etc.
Immediately after entering the Indian territory near Shipkilla, the river
takes a south-westerly direction on its way to Bhakra gorge about 320 Km
away after crossing, which it emerges into the plains of the Punjab. The
Satluj crosses the Great Himalayas at a point where the range bifurcates.
At Rampur, it crosses the Dahuladhar range then traverses through a
series of successive Shivalik ranges and the Naina Devi range, where the
Bhakra dam is situated, is the last of the series. Between Suni and
Dehar, the river takes a somewhat north-westerly direction. After Dehar,
the river turns in a south -westerly direction to reach the foot of Naina
Devi range. The Naina Devi range deflects the river again in a northwesterly direction when it flows parallel to the range for about 32km
before cutting through it at Bhakra gorge.
The principal tributaries of the Satluj below Shipkilla are the Spiti,
Kashang, Baspa, Bhaba, Nogli, Kurpan, Nauti, Sholding, Sorang, Bharari,
Ali and Ghambar khad.
Numerous glaciers large and small, drain into the Satluj at various points

LUHRI HEP

on its course. East of Mansarover and feeding its principal source are the
glaciers of the Ganglug Gaungni, the southern glaciers of the Gauglung
Gangni, glaciers of Kailash flow into the Satluj through the lake of Rakas
Tal, The Northern glaciers of peak Kamer also contribute to the streams.
The glaciers of peak Riwa phargul that stands in the Satluj catchment
also flow into it. There are many Himalayan glaciers draining
into its tributaries. The Baspa and many more from the direction of the
Bara-Lacha pass from the watersheds of the Chenab and Beas.
The fall of Satluj from its source to the plains of India is very uniform. The
height of the bed is about 4570m near Rakas-Tal, 2530m near Shipkilla,
915m at Rampur, 416 m at Bilaspur and 350m at the Bhakra Dam site.
The total catchment area of the Satluj above the Bhakra dam site is about
56875 Sq.km (21960 Sq.miles) and above the Nathpa diversion site is
about 49820 Sq.km (19235 Sq.miles) from Bhakra to Nathpa, 148 Km on
a straight line and 193Km by river, the drainage area is comparatively
narrow with an average width of about 35km. This part of catchment has
an area 7055 Sq.km and above Nathpa the catchment is considerably
wider than below it. The river Satluj drains an area of about 50880 Sq.km
(196745 Sq.miles) at Rampur discharge site.
A gross fall of 2180m is available in the river bed from Shipkilla to Bhakra
in an length of about 320 Km and about 990m from Shipkilla to the
Shongtong Barrage site. The valley is narrow in the portion from Shipkilla
to Pooh and from Thopan to Rampur. In the portion between Pooh to
Thopan and Rampur to Bhakra the valley is comparatively wider. It is
widest in the portion immediately upstream of Bhakra. The bed slope of
river is flat from Shipkilla to Jangi dam site for a distance of about 43 km,
which is of the order of 1 in 175. It becomes steep between Jangi Dam
site and Rampur, the slope being 1 in 87 and is again flatter from
Rampur to Kol Dam site with a slope of 1 in 300. It is the flattest in the

LUHRI HEP

Bhakra reservoir area, the portion down stream of the Kol Dam, where
the bed slope is 1 in 500.
2.2

POWER SCENARIO

2.2.1

Sources of energy
India is endowed with a vast hydropower potential. As per the latest
assessment carried out by the CEA, exploitable hydro potential in India
has been estimated at about 84000 MW at 60% load factor, which can
yield an annual power generation of over 440 TWh of electricity and with
additional seasonal energy, the total energy potential is about 600 TWh a
year. Only
14.5% of this potential is under operation and 7.2% of the potential is
under execution. Thus the bulk of the potential amounting to 77.9% is yet
to be developed.
About 73% of India's total installed capacity is thermal-based (Table 3.2).
However expansion of this energy source is encountering difficulties
because of the burden it places on the infrastructure for supply (mines)
and transportation (railways) of coal. Considering that the capacity of
Indian Railways to carry coal effectively is limited and additional tracks
are required, and the coal is of low quality and costly to transport over
long distances, it appears logical to develop thermal projects in specific
areas, e.g. coal-based projects in Bihar, Orissa, Eastern Uttar Pradesh
and surrounding areas, and gas-based power near the port belts of
Gujarat and Maharashtra, and place total emphasis on hydropower in
States such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar
Pradesh and far-East India - the Himalayan belt.

LUHRI HEP

Table 2.2
Share of Hydropower in India's Installed Capacity
Year

Total
installed
Capacity
(MW)

Hydropower
Capacity
(MW)

Share of
Hydropower
(%)

1962-63

5801

2936

50.6

1969-70

14102

6135

43.5

1979-80

28448

11384

40.0

1989-90

63636

18308

28.8

1991-92

69070

19189

27.8

1993-94

76718

20366

26.6

In the Northern Region, hydropower is the most suitable source of power

since both thermal/nuclear or other fuel-based source of energy involve
carriage of raw material over long distances making the cost of
development uneconomical. There are no thermal-based power projects
in Himachal Pradesh.
2.2.2

Hydropower potential of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh along with the States of Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab
form part of the Great Indus Basin. This basin comprises six major rivers,
viz., Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and the Satluj, and drains a total
area of 1.16 x 106 km2, out of which 0.17 x 106 km2 lies in India. A total of
about 190 hydropower schemes have been identified in the Great Indus
Basin having a firm hydropower potential of 11993 MW at 60% load
factor.
According to the CEA in its publication "Hydro Electric Power Potential of
India", December 1988, in various States and river basins in the country,
the total potential in Himachal Pradesh is 12480 MW at 60% load factor,
with

an

installed

capacity

of

20800

MW.

The Satluj basin in Himachal Pradesh has a hydropower potential of 9444

LUHRI HEP

MW, which represents approximately 33% of the likely installed capacity

in Himachal Pradesh. Seven schemes in the Satluj are already in
operation with total installed capacity of 3090 MW. The remaining 6354
MW potential is yet to be developed. Two major projects in the basin
namely 1500 MW Nathpa-Jhakri, a joint enterprise between the Central
Government and the Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the 300 MW
Baspa II Project, a privately-financed development sponsored by the
State Government, has recently been commissioned.
Besides Nathpa-Jhakri and Baspa II, the following projects in the Satluj
basin have been identified and form part of the river unexploited potential.
Kol Dam

800 MW

Rampur

400 MW

Karcham-Wangtoo

1000 MW

Shongtong-Karcham

400 MW

Thopan-Powari

480 MW

Jangi-Thopan

480 MW

Ghanvi-II

10 MW

The proposed Luhri Hydroelectric Project has a capacity of 480 MW and

is located on the Satluj River, upstream of Thopan-Powari Project.
In addition to the Satluj, other rivers which are part of the Great Indus
Basin and pass through the State of Himachal Pradesh, also contribute to
the power potential of the State. The most important are: Beas River,
4586 MW; Ravi River, 2379 MW, Chenab River, 3832 MW.

LUHRI HEP

Himachal Pradesh thus has considerable hydropower potential. In the

long run, it is more economical for development than thermal power, as it
utilises perennial natural resource which otherwise goes to waste. For the
prosperity of the state and benefit of the country the hydro-power
development in Himachal Pradesh needs a renewed thrust. The
hydroelectric potential of Himachal Pradesh, however, is not likely to be
consumed in the State, and therefore will be available for meeting the
requirements in other parts of the country, and particularly in the Northern
Region.
2.2.3

Thermal power potential of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh being located in the far North end of the country and
considerably away from the coalfields, does not have any prospect of
having thermal projects. The same consideration applies to other northern
states.

2.2.4

Power Scenario in India

The installed capacity in India increased from 1362 MW in 1947 to 64,729
MW in 1990 at the end of the 7th Plan. During that period energy jumped
from 4 to 264 TWh. However, despite that appreciable growth, power
demand has almost throughout outstripped the supply.
At the end of the 7th Plan, the shortfall in energy availability on an " all
India " basis was 6.8%. The corresponding shortfall in peak availability
vis-a-vis demand was about 7.6%. In the Northern Region, the shortage
with regard to peak availability was 19%. In July 1991, the peaking
shortage for the country as a whole increased to 16.7% from 7.6% in
March 1990, while the energy

shortage rose to 7.9% from 6.8%.

For the 8th Plan(1992-97), the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had

LUHRI HEP

estimated a need based capacity addition of 48000 MW,which was scaled

down to 30 558 MW taking into account the availability of resources. At
the end of 1997-98 India had an energy shortage of 8.1% and a peaking
shortage of 11.3%. Even with the planned capacity addition of more than
30,000 MW, the shortages in the terminal year of the 8th Plan, i.e. 1997,
would continue to be at the same level. As a matter of fact the situation is
likely to be worse as slippages are anticipated in the planned capacity
addition.
2.2.5

Demand and Supply in Himachal Pradesh State

Himachal Pradesh, being mostly a hilly terrain State and located in the far
North end of the country, considerably away from the coal fields, has little
prospect of having thermal projects. Having considerable hydropower
potential, which is generally found to be more economical for
development than thermal power, power generation in the future for
Himachal Pradesh has to be essentially from hydro-power sources.
As per the 15th Electric Power Survey of India, carried out by the Central
Electricity Authority (CEA), the energy requirement of Himachal Pradesh
for 1990-91 was 1487 GWh. This demand was projected to increase to
2536 GWh in 1994-95. Similarly, the peak load requirement for 1990-91
was 325 MW, which was expected to increase to 541 MW in 1994-95.
Table 2.3 shows the supply of energy and power as well as future
demand during the period 1990-91 to 1994-95 as projected by Central
Electricity Authority (CEA) in the 14th Electric Power Survey of India.

Table 2.3
POWER SUPPLY AND DEMAND FOR HIMACHAL PRADESH
Item

1990-91

1991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

Installed Capacity

274

274

296

301

301

Peak Availability

340

347

379

458

475

LUHRI HEP
Peak Load

325

366

415

477

541

Surplus/Deficit

15
4.6

- 19
- 5.2

- 36
- 8.7

- 19
- 4.0

- 66
- 12.3

Energy Availability

2013

2047

2147

2521

2711

Energy Requirement

1487

1688

1925

2224

2536

Surplus/Deficit

526
35.4

359
21.3

222
11.5

297
13.4

175
6.9

The future demand scenario for the period 1995-2010 as projected by the
CEA in the 15th Electric Survey Report with respect to Himachal Pradesh
is as depicted in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4
Energy and Peak Load Demand for Himachal Pradesh
Period 1995 to 2010
Period

Energy
Demand
(GWh)

Peak
Demand
(MW)

1995-96

2879

609

1996-97

3254

683

1997-98

3662

763

1998-99

4103

848

1999-2000

4576

939

2004-05

7378

1457

2009-10

10606

2020

It can be observed that energy requirements are likely to increase during

the period 1991-2010 from 1487 GWh in 1990-91 to 10606 GWh in 20092010, and the peak load demand would do increase from 325 MW to
2020 MW during the same span.

LUHRI HEP

2.2.6

Demand and Supply in the Northern Region

The hydropower potential of Himachal Pradesh, is obviously surplus to its
own requirement. However, it will be usefully made available to meet the
power and energy requirements in other parts of the country, and very
particularly, the Northern grid. This is the case of major projects such as
Bhakra and Beas, which supply power to the Northern grid. Another
example is the 540 MW Chamera Project, situated in the north-western
part of the State, which started operating in 1994 and supplies New Delhi
through a 510km long transmission line. For planning purposes it is
therefore necessary to study the energy and power requirements of the
Northern region as a whole, since the region will be the recipient of any
hydropower project likely to be developed in Himachal Pradesh in the
future.
On the basis of the addition of capacity during the 8th Plan period, the
CEA has estimated the requirements of the Northern Region as shown in
Table 2.5.

Table 2.5
Power Demand and Supply for the Northern Region in the Period
1990-95

Item
Installed Capacity

Unit

1990-91

1991-92

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

MW

19203

20581

22195

24274

26681

LUHRI HEP
Peak Availability

MW

11408

11291

12777

14008

15271

Peak Load

MW

14908

16259

17721

19240

20814

Surplus/Deficit

MW
%

- 3500
- 23.5

- 4338
- 26.7

- 4944
- 27.9

- 5232
- 27.2

- 5543
- 26.6

Energy Availability

GWh

80803

82755

88165

95959

106143

Energy Requirement

GWh

79338

86553

93396

102416

110841

Surplus/Deficit

GWh
%

1465
1.8

- 3798
- 4.4

- 6231
- 6.6

- 6457
- 6.3

- 4698
- 4.2

Table 2.6 lists the future energy and load requirements for the Northern
Region.
Table 2.6
Energy and Peak Load Demand for the Northern Region
Period 1995-2010

Period

Energy

Peak Load

(GWh)

(MW)

1995-96

119887

22466

1996-97

129587

24234

1997-98

139976

26124

1998-99

151086

28143

1999-2000

162954

30295

2005-06

248332

45634

2009-10

318715

58117

From Tables 2.5 and 2.6, it can be seen that the peak demand over a
period of 20 years is likely to double from 14908 MW in 1990-91 to as
much as 58117 MW in 2009-2010.
2.2.7

Satluj river hydropower potential

The Government of India and the State of Himachal Pradesh have
identified the Satluj river as one of the main sources of hydroelectric
power, and have initiated several hydro-electric projects along the reach
of the river and its tributaries under their jurisdiction. These projects, in
10

LUHRI HEP

varying stages of planning, construction, completion and operation,

include:
-

Bhakra-Nangal, 1164 MW, operating

Kol, 800 MW, concept stage

Rampur-Behna, 400 MW, concept stage

Nathpa-Jhakri, 1500 MW, under operation

Karcham-Wangtoo, 1000 MW, investigation stage

Shongtong-Karcham, 402 MW, investigation stage

Thopan-Powari, 480 MW, concept stage

Jangi-Thopan, 480 MW, concept stage

Pooh-Spillo 300 MW, concept stage

Khab-Pooh 300 MW, concept stage

These projects are all run-of-the-river, with the exception of BhakraNangal. Additional hydro projects, planned and operating have been
identified on tributaries of the Satluj, such as Sanjay Vidyut Pariyojana Bhaba (120 MW, operating), Nogli (3 MW, operating), Ghanvi (22.5,
operating), Baspa II (300 MW, Operating) and Baspa I (concept stage).
Some of the potential projects listed here may not be built in near future,
but it is reasonable to assume that the preliminary studies have indicated
these projects to be technically feasible, there will be a strong motivation
to build them as the demand for power grows and limited fuel resources
tend to exhaust.
Further developments, in addition to those listed here, may be seriously
considered at some time on both the Satluj and its tributaries. A program
to develop small hydro projects on streams flowing through villages is
also in place.
2.3

NEED OF THE PROJECT

From the growth of peak demand and anticipated installed generating

11

LUHRI HEP

capacity on the basis of schemes proposed for benefits under

construction/consideration during eighths and ninth five year plan, it is
observed that there is a dire need to provide additional capacity to the
Northern grid to meet the increasing demand of the grid. Thus new
scheme have to be taken up immediately and implemented to drive timely
benefits.
The most important source of power development in the Northern region
is Hydro resources located in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and
Jammu and Kashmir. Luhri

Hydroelectric Project is very attractive

scheme from the view of deriving benefits in the beginning of tenth fiveyear plan.

12

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER - III
PROJECT AREA
3.1

INTRODUCTION
The Government of India and the State of Himachal Pradesh have
identified the Satluj river as one of the main promising future sources of
hydroelectric power. Development of Satluj waters was started in a big
way first by Bhakra-Nangal Project. Government have now initiated
several hydroelectric projects along the reach of the Satluj and its
tributaries. The Luhri Hydroelectric Project is envisaged as a run-of-theriver development on the Satluj river, in the reach between Luhri and
Chaba villages in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh just downstream of
confluence of Behna khad with Satluj river nearLuhri.

3.2

LOCATION AND ACCESS

Himachal Pradesh is located in the western portion of the Great
Himalayan Mountain Range of northern India, bounded by the State of
Jammu-Kashmir to the North, Tibet to the East, and the plains of northern
India to the South and West. The Satluj river is one of the major rivers
draining this region. It rises in the Tibetan Plateau, passes via steep
valleys and gorges through the Himalayan Mountains and foothills and
meets the Arabian sea across the plains of Northern India.
The project site area is about 80 km from Shimla, the State capital, and is
an upstream development to the proposed Kol dam Electric Project ( 800
MW) on the Satluj river.

3.3

CLIMATE
The study region is falls between climatic zones I and III of northern India.
Zone I, the Tropical Monsoon climate, extends from the Indian Ocean
III - 1

LUHRI HEP

north as far as Wangtoo, with its effects modified by elevation and

topography. The tropical monsoon climate involves an
annual rainfall in excess of 1000 mm, occurring mostly in the months of
June to October. The study region, however, experiences lmoderate
rainfall as the mountains between the plains and the study region capture
most of the precipitation.
Climatic Zone III, the Arid Mountain Climate, affecting the Tibetan and
western China Plateau, is characteristically cold and dry in winter, and hot
and dry in summer. This is highly modified by the topography of the study
region. From November to May, the region experiences a generally northeasterly flow of cold continental air moving out from across the Tibetan
Plateau. The effect of this flow is somewhat modified by the mountains
but it can result in high winds. Winter precipitation occurs as a result of
westerly disturbances. From June to September, the region experiences
the south-westerly monsoon from the Indian Ocean, though, once again
the region's location in the heart of the Himalayas modifies the effect, and
precipitation is small.
3.4

GEOLOGY
The project area lies in Mehbar and Maldi gneisses comprised of kyanite
and psamatic gneisses with bands of schist and quartzite. These are
intruded by basic and acidic rocks. All the rocks are well foliated. The
general trend is N-S with moderate dips toward East. These are
transacted by a number of joints of which the foliation and strike joints are
the most predominant followed in frequency by steeply dipping transverse
joints. The rock formations within the project area going upstream from
the tailrace consist of the Wangtoo, Rampur and Jutogh gneisses and
granites. The Wangtoo rocks are overlaid by the Rampur followed by the
Jutogh, the three series having thrusted contacts.
Rocks are generally covered by glacial deposits, rock debris, alluvial
terraces and fans. The soils of the Satluj valley are relatively poor sandy
III - 2

LUHRI HEP

loam, and exposed bedrock, rocks and gravel abound. In the valley
bottom there is virtually no soil, but between elevations 1200 and 3500 m,
the soils support some forest cover and are cultivable to a certain extent.
3.5

SEISMICITY
The project area lies in an active seismic region, zone IV of the Seismic
Zoning Map of India. Available data on seismicity within a radius of 150
kms of the project shows that earthquakes having a magnitude greater
than 5 on the Richter scale occur at frequent intervals. Important seismic
events which have taken place in the past 150 years and caused
significant damage include the 1905 Kangra quake (magnitude 8+), the
1908 Kullu quake (magnitude 6.0), the 1945 and 1947 Chamba quakes
(magnitude 6.5 & 6.6), the 1975 Kinnaur quake (magnitude 6.8) and the
1991 Uttarkashi quake (magnitude 6.6).

3.6

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
The Shimla region has deep roots in Indian mythology, legends and
literature. The Shimla region was formerly a part of the princely state of
Kumarsain / Suni. The State of Himachal Pradesh came into existence in
1960 and Shimla became a district. Contact with the outside world
accelerated when National Highway 22 was built by the Border Roads
Organization, following the 1962 Sino-Indian war. One immediate
consequence of the road construction was that interior of Shimla became
integrated into the cash economy of Himachal Pradesh. The State has
continued to play a role in introducing techniques and policies that have
enhanced production despite the poor soils of the area.

III - 3

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER-IV
GEOLOGY
4.1

INTRODUCTION
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), with a view to fill the gap
between supply and demand in the field of power have embarked on
an exercise to assess balance

hydroelectric potential in the country

and rank the schemes thus identified in various parts of the country in
different river basins. As a part of the exercise, 162 schemes with
probable installed capacity of 50,600 MW and located in various river
basins spread over 16 states have to be taken up for preparation of
Pre Feasibility Reports (PFRs) in the first phase. The schemes found
feasible are proposed to be taken up for further development in X and
XI Five Year Plans. The proposed Luhri Hydroelectric Project is one
such scheme identified in Satluj basin in shimla District of Himachal
Pradesh State. Luhri Hydroelectric Project is a run of the river scheme
that envisages the construction of a diversion dam/weir across the river
Satluj near village Luhri (31 21' 40" N: 77 26 25" 'E'; 53 E/7), about
13 km long conductor system and power house on the left bank of
Satluj, 1 Km upstream of village Pandoa (3117'10"N: 7719'10"E, 53
E/7). The proposed power house would have installed capacity of 425
MW.
4.2

REGIONAL GEOLOGY
The area forms a part of the Lesser Himalaya and presents a
diversified relief with high rugged hills of carbonate rocks, deep valleys,

LUHRI HEP

steep escarpments and cliff faces. There is a great variation in altitude ,

from 640 m near Tattapani to 3100 m at Shali peak. The satluj forms
the main drainage system of the area that flows from the NNE to SSW
direction, from north of Jhunajan to Chamba where it takes almost an
east-west trend.. The main tributaries of the river are Nauti, Pandoa
and Sowera Khads, meeting the Sutlej at Chaba, Paildoa and Bagthal,
respectively. A number of small nalas feed these khads giving rise to a
dendritic type of drainage pattern. An oval shaped lake, about 300m
long and 220m broad is located in the east of village Kariali. It has
probably been formed by damming of the northwest flowing nalas by a
landslide mass from the adjoining hills. During the monsoons the lake
gets filled with water which slowly flows underneath and emerges as
springs at Drawl, Graon and then flows in an open channel before
merging with the Sutlej river.
The rocks exposed in the area under reference belong to the Kullu,
Shali and Basantpur Groups. Thelithostratigraphic succession in the
area modified after Sharma and Ahluwalia(1977) is given below:
Basic sills and dykes (intrusives)
Shimla Group Basantpur Formation : Grey, dark grey shale, slate,
carbonaceous shale,

lenticular

bands of limenstone, quartzite.

-----------------------------------Thrust---------------------------------------------------------------Bandla Formation

Grey siltstone, quartzite and shale.

LUHRI HEP

Pamali Formation

Thin

bedded

limenstone,

dolomite,

quartzite towards the top.

Shali

Makri Formation

Purple, greenish grey slate, splintery,

shale, quartzite and limenstone.

Tattapani Formation

Grey and pink massive dolomite and

phylitised shales.

Sorgharwari Formation

Pink

and

Formation

grey

limestone,

Khatpul

Massive dolomite.

Khaira Formation

Pink and white quartzite,

Ropri Formation

: Not exposed in the area.

-----------------------------------------Thrust--------------------------------------Khokan Formation

Quartzite, quartz chlorite and quartz

biotite
slates

schists,
phyllites

and

schists,

garnetiferous schists.
Kullu
Group

Garh- Manjrot

Streaky mylonitic gneiss, banded

augen gneisses.

The crystallines and metamorphites of the Kullu Group physically

overlying the Basantpur Formation belonging to Shimla Group along
the thrust (Jutogh Thrust) have been mapped from Naraini Ghati in the

and

LUHRI HEP

south to Kanda in the north. Between Thach and Naraini Ghati the
Kullu Group rocks at the contract, is represented by dark grey slate,
phyllite and schist followed by coarse grained steaky gneiss dark grey,
green chloride and Biotite-schist coarse grained streaky gneiss
predominates at the contract between Thathal and Kanda.
Except the lower most Formation Ropri, all the other Formations of
Shali Group are developed in the area. Khaira Formation consists of
pink and white quartzite and a small outcrop of this rock, about 50m
long 2.30m wide occurs in the southwest of Kariali. Pink and grey
quartzite of the Khaira Formation is conformably succeeded by grey
blue,

massive,

tough

and

compact

dolomite.

This

shows

characterisitic rugged weathering and encloses impersistent bands of

chert near Darabla, along the road section, about 30 cm thick band of
jet black shale occurs within the dolomite for about 50m along the
strike. The Khatpul dolomite is gradationally overlain by light pink to
light purple, well bedded and laminated lime stone with purple shale
partings. The pink and purple limestone invariably grades into each
other, along, as well as across the strike. Pink limestone, however
remains the dominant and consistent of all the Formations. Lime Stone
breccia, formed by the solution action is met with near Bagh. Calcite
veins are sporadically found in these limestones. A few malachite
stains are encountered in the pink limestone near Karioli. The based
part of the limestone is shaly and cherty. The limestone is traced from
Jhanjan in the northeast to Padian in the southwest over a distance of
about 15 km. with average which of about 500 m. Sorgharwari
Formation passes graddationally into massive dolomite of the
Tattapani Formation. The dolomite contains chert bands ranging in
width from 2-8 cms. The dolomite is grey, grayish blue and pale pink
and contains impersistant grey and black slate partings and phyllitised

LUHRI HEP

shales. In the area the Formation is traced from north of Mungna in

southwest to Jamrog in the northeast over a distance of about 17 kms
with an average width of about 500m. Conforably overlying the
Tattapani Formation is the Makri Formation which constitutes grey,
greenish grey and purple shale and slate. As grey splintery shale, grey
quartzite, grey limestone, cherty splintery shale, grey quartzite, grey
limestone, cherty dolomite and grey quartzite form the components of
this Formation. These are traced from Mungnna in the southwest to
Kanda in the northwest over a distance of about 18 kms with width
varying from 10m to about 1 km. Parnali Formation overlies the Makri
formation. It consists predominantly of grey dolomite, which is highly
cherty and contains lenticular sporadic bands of white and grey
quartzite and thin bedded bluish limestone. This is traced from north of
Sakra in southwest to Rehri in the northeast over a strike length of
about 25 kms with an average width of about 800m. The rocks don't
extend beyond Rehri due to a fault. The youngest Formation of the
Shali Group is the Bandla Formation which comprises grey siltstone
quartzite, shale and sandstone. In the entire area, the rocks are
encountered between LOI and Garrech for a strike length of about 3
kms with an average width of about 500m. A small lens of these rocks
has also been noticed in the northwest of Sai Ser. The absence of this
Formation in the rest of the area is attributed to a fault.
The Shimla Group extends from the Giri to the Satluj and Baghar at the
base of Chunar Mountain Range leaving out the Halog-Chali ridge.
Isolated outliers are seen in the Bharari Khad, Batawara and Kindu
where they directly overlie the Shali Group. The shimla Group again
reappears in the NW part of Himachal, covering Thanoli, Kehluadn the
Ravi over the Shali structural belt and beneath the crystalline thrust
sheet. Its extension beyond the Ravi into the Kashmir Himalaya is

LUHRI HEP

confirmed where it is variously referred as the "Agglomeratic Slate and

Ramban Formation. Beyond the "Syntaxial bend" it passes into the
Hazara Group. In the SE part of the Himachal, Shimla Group rocks
reappear unconformably over the Deioban and beneath the Janusar
thrust sheet of the Nigali Dhar-Korgai synclines of the Blaini-Infra Krol,
Krol-Tal sequence. It continues in that position towards Garhwal
Himalaya before being finally tectoniclly overlapped by the Janusar
thrust sheet. It also crops out in the window zones of Parahat and
Bidhalana in the southern Garhwal Himalaya.
The Shimla Group is divisible into four formations on the basis of certain
characteristic lithological association and order or superposition :
______________________________________________________________________
Formation

Members

Lithology

Thicknes

in

meters

(approx.)
______________________________________________________________________
Upper

Conglomerate, arkosic sandstone

Proto-quartzite, grey and purple, shale

Sanjauli

Lower

1600

Greywacke sandstone (medium to coarseGrained), greywacke siltstone, shale and

Siltstone alteration, orthoquartzite.

Chhaosa

Shale and siltstone alteration greywacke,

siltstone and orthoquartzite.

Kunihar

Shale and silt stone alterations with limestone

interbeds (earlier referred to as Kakarhatti
limestone)

Basantpur

1300

Thick bedded to platy greyish blue limeStone with interbedded shale (local facies)

450

LUHRI HEP

Massive to bedded limestone Dolomite (local facies _

Shale, siltstone with interbeds of lenticular

Limestone; shale is sporadically carbonaceous
Impresistent band of quartzite and dolomite.

Greyish white quartzite and conglomerate

(sporadic )

Out of the four formations of Shimla Group, the present area contains
only the rocks belonging to Basantpur Formation. The Basantpur
Formation overlies the various formations of the Shali Group and
includes grey, dark grey shales and slates. Highly carbonaceous shale
bearing pyrite, is generally developed near the contract with the Kullu
Group. The carbonaceous rocks are well exposed in places like north
of Garech, west of Thathal, west of Dakolu, South of LOI and North of
Rehri. The rocks, at place, contain thin lenticular bands of platy
limestone. A number of such lenticular bands of limestone have
developed over a wide area around Naldehra. Small outcrops of grey
platy limestone having a resemblance

with that of the Basantpur

Formation occur within the rocks of the Shali Group in the south of
Naklog Ghati, southeast of Senu (in Makri Formation) and west of LOI
(in Paruali Formation). The Contact between the Shali Group and the
Basantpur Formation is a tectonic one. The rocks have been traced
from Chaba to Baldiha and from Dalog Pass to Kanda.
Several sills and dykes of doleritic and dioritic composition cut across
the various Formations of the Shali Group along the weak planes.
Such intrusives of various shapes and sizes have been recorded in the

LUHRI HEP

Sorgharwari Formation around Kariali, east of Kothi, southeast of

Bathora; in the Tattapani Formation in the north Markalu;in Parnali
Formation in the east of Uparia Kayalu and in the Bandla Formation
north of Khaibal. The intrusives do not show any contact effects with
the wall rock, probably indicating the low temperature conditions of the
intrusion.
The Shimla Group is generally free from volcanic element. However,
locally dolerite-diabase dykes are seen intruding into the Shimla Group
and are particularly seen in the Basantpur Formation. Such dykes are
seen in Basantpur - Seoni area.
The Kullu Group fully frames the Larji-Rampur Window Zone, and is in
turn, partly framed by the Salkhala on the western side and by the
Vaikrita on the eastern side. In the southeastern part it lies on the
subthrust side of the Jutogh Thrust Sheet. Further west and northwest
it rests over the Shalli Structural Belt along Suketi Thrust as a long,
linear and narrow nappe. Beyond the Ravi in the Jammu-Kashmir the
thrust links up with the Punjab Thrust. The Kullu Group is one of the
three principal crystalline nappes of Himachal Pradesh.
The Kullu Group comprises the following sequence of formations.
Khokaan Formation

Quartzite, quartz chlorite and quartz biotite schists, slates

phyllites and schists, garnetiferous schists.

Garh

- Manjrot

Formation

Streaky mylonitic gneiss, banded and augen geniesses.

LUHRI HEP

Khamarada Formation

Carbonaceous to graphitic schists and phyllite locally

garnetiferous; lenticular greyish blue and cream coloured
platy limestone and calc-schists.

--------------------------------------------Thrust-----------------------------------------------------The Kullu Group constitutes the southern frontal crystalline thrust sheet
tectonically transgressing over the Lesser Himalayan Tectogen. One
characteristic features of the Kullu Thrust sheet is the development of
a highly sheared mylonite gneiss (Manjrot - Garh Gneiss) tectonically
intermixed with the carbonaceous phyllite and limestone along the sole
of the t hrust sheet particularly in the sector from Baragaon in SE to the
Rani in NW and also around the Larji-Rampur Window Zone. This
thrust represents a major and the most pronounced tectonic
discontinuity in the Himachal Pradesh and can bde equivalent to the
Main Central Thrust of the Himalaya (Srikantia, 1988).
Garh- Majrot Formation connsist of quartzose, banded and streak
gneisses, pale greyish green in colour, showing alternate beds of
schist and quartzite and even carbonaceous phyllite. The gneiss is
highly streak and strongly foliated and mylontised augens of feldspar.
Coarse grained of blue quartz stand out prominently. In Baragaon in
the Satluj Valley the Garh- Manjrot gneiss appears prominent along the
Kullu Thrust Sheet. In Himachal Pradesh the Garh - Manjrot Gneiss is
fairly persistent along the strike and occupied a definite tectonostratigraphy position.
Khokhan Formation comprise mainly of quartzite, quartz schist, quartz
chlorite and quartz biotite schist, slates, phyllites and garnetiferous
schists. Locally amphibolites appear associated with the

LUHRI HEP

metasediments. The Formations is tectonically succeeded by the

Jutogh Thrust sheet on Satluj valley.
4.3

STRUCTURE AND TECTONICS

The Kullu Group consisting of carbonaceous schist, chlorite schist and
augen gneiss physically overlies the rocks of the Basantpur Formation
along a thrust (Jutogh thrust). The contact between the Shali Group
and the Basantpur Formation is tectonic and shows evidence of
movement. The regional strike of the rocks formations is NW -SE with
dips varying from 200 to 700 on either side. The area reveals a
regional anticlinal structure with its axis running in NW -SE direction.
A number of open and overturned type of folds developed in the Shali,
have increased the outcrop width of the deposit on the eastern limb.
Cross folding in the area has

resulted in the formation of a

complicated outcrop pattern. Dolomite of Parnali Formation is folded

into a syncline with a N60E-S60E trending axis. This may be
complementary to the main anticline. In the northeastern part of the
area the contact between the Basantpur Formation and Shali Group is
faulted and the along this fault the Parnali and the Bandla Formation
have been eliminated. In the Nauti Khad area (southwestern part) also
the Basantpur Formation has been brought to rest over the Parnali
dolomite along a fault. A few oblique faults are also noticed in the area.
4.4

SEISMOTECTONICS AND SEISMICITY

Seismotectonically, the area is located on eastern margin of Shinmla
Tectonic Block of Narula (1991). It is bound by Sundernagar Fault in
west and Kaurik Fault in east. The project area is located in Main
Himalayan Belt where the tectonic packages are Tethyan and Lesser

LUHRI HEP

Himalayan cover sequences affected by Himalayan Orogeny, low and

high grade complexes tectonically reworked during Himalayan
Orogeny and pre to syntectonic granitods and basic volcanics. The
Foothill Belt constitutes foredeep sediments affected by the terminal
phase of the Himalayan Orogeny (Narula et al.). The northernmost
tectonic element is the dextral Karakoram Fault (KF) which is
subparallel to Indus Suture Zone (ISZ) occurring to the south. Within
the Main Himalayan Belt, the high grade complex is bound in south by
Main Central Thrust (MCT) which is considered most conspicuous
structural

element of the Himalayas. Further South, within lesser

Himalayas, the other important tectonic element is Vaikrita Thrust (VT).

The Lesser Himalayan Belt is separated from the Frontal Belt by Main
Boundary Thrust (MBT). The sourthern limit of Frontal Belt is marked
by Main Frontal thrust (MFT). A part from the tectonic planes subparallel to Himalayan trend, a number of transverse features have
been observed. These include Sunder Nagar Fault, Kaurik Fault and
Raura Fault. In the Higher Himalayas, Kaurik Fault Zone is considered
to have triggered the Kinnaur Earthquake of 19th January,1975. The
present area also have Salkhala and Jutogh Thrust which are present
near Karchhaim. Neotectonic activity has been observed along
Karakoram Fault, ISZ, MBT, MFT and Kaurik Fault. Seismically, this
area has subdued seismicity but the areas immediately NE of it, the
clustering of seismic events is observed in the Zone known as Kinnaur
Seismic Zone having N-S alignment. It is traversed by a number of half
graben faults defining Kaurik Fault system. The seismic events in
general in this Zone are shallow focus (0-40 km) but a few events with
intermediate and deeper depths have been observed. To the west of
the area lies Kangra Seismic Block, which is considered very active
seismic zone and has experienced 20 earthquakes with magnitude
more than 5. As per Seismic Zoning map of India (1S:1893-1984), the

LUHRI HEP

area lies in seismic Zone-IV and a number of regional thrusts and

faults are located in the vicinity of the project. Therefore, it is
suggested that appropriate seismic coefficient may be incorporated in
the design of the appurtenant structures of the project.
4.5

GEOTECHNICAL APPRAISAL
The proposed Luhri Hydroelectric Project a run of river scheme
proposed in Satluj Basin in Shimla and Kullu districts of Himachal
Pradesh envisages construction of a diversion dam across the river
Satluj near Luhri, a water conductor system comprising 13 km long
head race tunnel to conduct water to proposed powerhouse of the
river Satluj near Pandoa village. The area exposes the rocks belonging
to different formations of Shali, Shimla and Kullu Groups of Proterozoic
age. The contacts between the rocks of different groups are either
faulted or thrusted.
At the site of proposed diversion the river Satluj flows towards NW
through a narrow valley. The area exposes quartzite, banded streaky
gneisses with interbands of schist and quartzite and carbonaceous
phyllite belonging to Garh Formation of Kullu Group. The gneiss is
highly streaky, strongly foliated and mylotinised. Augens of felspars
and coarse grains of the quartz can be observed. The foliation trends
vary from NE-SW to NW-SE. It is suggested that the final location and
type of diversion structure be decided after assessing the thickn ess of
overburden in the river bed and on the abutment and availability of site
for locating proper intake structure for headrace tunnel.
The proposed 13 km long headrace tunnel is aligned in NE-SW
direction on the left bank of the river Satluj. It is likely to encounter the

LUHRI HEP

rocks belonging to Khokan and Garh Formations of Kullu Group and

Sorgharwari, Tattapani, Khaira and Makri Formations of Shali Group
and those of Basantpur Formation of Shimla Group that includes
Shale, Slate, carbonaceous shale with limestone and quartzites. Both
the contacts of this formation are thrusted. The rocks of Shali Group
comprise

sedimentary

sequence

including

quartzite,

limestone/dolomites and shales. These rocks are expected to provide

good to fair tunnelling media in general. The HRT is expected to cross
two thrusts along its route. Difficult tunnelling conditions could be
expected in Zones around these thrusts. The conditions may become
poorer if these zones are charged with water. It is suggested that
adequate rock cover over the structure be ensured where it crosses
the surface drainages. It is also suggested that excessive cover over
the structure may also be avoided since hot springs present in this
area and adjacent areas indicate presence of geothermal field that
could result in relatively high temperatures during tunnelling.
The proposed powerhouse with 425 MW installed capacity is
envisaged on the left bank of Satluj near the village Pandoa. The area
exposes pink and grey limestone belonging to Sorgharwari Formation
of Shali Group. It is suggested that the site selected for the structure
may have sound bedrock at reasonable depth and adequate space
free from natural hazards like landslides and enough working space
and suitable locations for other appurtenant structures. The site is
located in Zone IV in Shimla Block of Narula (1991) as per Map of
India Showing Seismic Zones. It is suggested suitable seismic
coefficient be incorporated in the designs of appurtenant structures of
the project.

LUHRI HEP

The geotechnical appraisal is based on regional geological set up and

is without field visit to the project site.
REFERENCES:Narula, P.L., (1991),

Seismotectonic Evaluation of NW Himalayas,

Unpubl. Progr. Rep. Geol.. Surv. Ind..

Narula P.L.Acharayya, S.K. and Banarjee, J(2000). Seismotectonic
Atlas of India and is environs. Pub. Geol. Surv. Ind.
Sharma O.P. and Ahluwalia, A.D. (1977) Report on limestone
investigation, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh. Unpubl. Progr. Rep.
Geol. Surv. Ind. (1978-77)
Sirkantia, S.V. and Bhargava, O.N. (1988) Geology of Himachal
Pradesh Geol. Soc. Ind. Bangalore, P.406.

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER-V
HYDROLOGY
5.1

INTRODUCTON
Satluj river is one of the principal river of Himachal Pradesh and it divides
the District Kinnaur into two parts. In its passage through Distt. Kinnaur,
the Satluj river crosses three more or less parallel mountain ranges viz. the
Zaskar Mountain, the Great Himalayas and the Dhauladhar Ranges.
Between three mountain ranges lie the subsidiary valleys of varying
dimensions from the narrow glens and ravines of Tidong and Kirang
streams to the sizeable valleys of Spiti & Baspa river.

The significant

tributaries streams and rivers that flow into the Satluj river from south or
along its left bank are successively the Tidong, Hogis, Gyamthing, Baspa,
Duling, Sholding, Manglad etc. Likewise those entering from the north or its
right bank are the Spiti River, Ropa, Kirang, Kashang, Pangi, Choling,
Bhaba, Sorang, Kut and Ganwi Khud. In between there are many seasonal
streams that meet the Satluj river and its tributaries. At Khab it receives the
Spiti river where the bed of the stream is still about 2590 meter above the
mean sea level.
Satluj river rises from Rakas Tal fed by Mansarover lake in Nari Khorsam
province of Tibet and after flowing in West direction for a distance of about
300 Km., it enters India near Shipkilla in District Kinnaur. The Satluj
descends from about 2590 meter at Khab to 936 meters at Rampur
Town, in Distt. Shimla, the main supply station to Distt. Kinnaur. The Satluj
flows in this whole reach between narrow cliffs and therefore there is no
open ground worth describing all along its banks, thus excluding the
possibility of making any storage Dam. The water of the river is more or
less discoloured. Cultivated fields in terraces are generally at considerable
heights from its bank and are thus immune from the turbidity of the
water, which is largest in summer months. Within the limits of the District
V-- 1

LUHRI HEP

Kinnaur the river is not navigable owing to the rapidity of flow and presence
of boulders. After it leaves the boundary of the District Kinnaur near village
Chaura it enters Shimla District.
5.2

CATCHMENT CHARACTERSTICS
The geographical limits of the Satluj basin upto Bhakra Dam lie between
latitude 3015' N to 3125' and longitude 7715' to 7730' It covers its area
in Nari Khorsam province of Tibet (China) and in Himachal Pradesh State
of India. The catchment area at upstream of Rampur is about 50880 Sq.,
Km out of which about 36900 Sq.Km falls in Tibet and 13980 Sq. Km in
India. Catchment area upto Luhri dam site is 52403 Sq.Km.
The basin represents some remarkable physical features. Below it
stretches the loftiest mountain ranges of world radiating from the Pamir
knof. The most southerly of these is the Himalayan Range, which is loftiest
and longest range in the world.
The Himalayas that run first South-East-wards from the Pamir knof and
later in an easterly direction constitute a massive mountain wall extending
over 2500 Km with varying width of 250 to 300 Km.
Topographical and climatically the catchment have been divided into four
categories as below: i)

Tibetan Plateau

River Satluj rises in Tibetan plateau in the region of the Mansarover Lake
situated at an elevation of 4510 Km above mean sea level. The river
passes through the Tibetan province of Nari Khorsam. The best-known
portion of Nari khorsam and the plateau situated between Zaksar and
V-- 2

LUHRI HEP

Ladakh ranges. This plateau has been formed by the successive deposits
of boulders, gravel, clay and mud in the trough between two ranges. The
deposits lie in parallel and nearly horizontal beds. River Satluj has been
able to cut a channel about 915m deep through the plateau with the water
received from glaciers. The vertical banks stand un-eroded, as there is no
local rainfall.

River Satluj in Nari Khorsam region is joined by several

tributaries. The beds of which lie about 305m or more below surface of the
plain and their over changing cliffs similar to those of Satluj have been
spared from destruction by rain.

The flat portion of the plateau now

remains standing between profound gorges. There is absolutely no

vegetation in this region when the snowmelts deep channels are formed on
the surface. The river Satluj enters India near Shipkilla after traversing a
length of about 320 Kms in the Tibetan province of Nari khorsam.
ii) Spiti Valley
Spiti river is the biggest tributary of the river Satluj and joins river Satluj at
Khab, 14km upstream of Pooh. The characteristics of this catchment area
drained by river Spiti is between 3048 m and 4570m. In this area there is
absolutely no vegetation. The melting snow forms deep flow channels.
iii) Namgia to (Wangtu)
This catchment is bounded by moderately high hills 1900m to 3048m and
has little rainfall but heavy snow. The snow line in this region is at 3048m.
The flows in the river are mainly due to snow melting which follow more or
less a regular pattern. Due to the absence of rain, arid\condition prevails
and good forests seen below Reckong Peo do not exist in higher altitude.
The well-formed pine forests near Karcham Wangtu give way to Chilgoza
plantations at the higher elevation. The area has steep slopes with little
earth cover and experiences very little rain.
V-- 3

LUHRI HEP

When snow falls, water enters into the rock crevices where its freezing
during winter cracks and crushes the rocks. The subsequent loads of snow
accelerate this phenomenon.

When the snow melts, the disintegrated

debris slide with the water into the river. This cycle repeats year after year.
IV ) Wangtu to Suni
The annual rainfall of the catchment is about 1000mm.The area is forested
with scattered to dense patches of trees. There is agricultural development
in several locations mainly along the river and on flatter slopes.
V) Suni to Kol Dam and up to Bhakra Dam
This area is in the lower elevations of the Shivaliks range with rise to about
elevation 2100 m. The average slope of the river between Rampur to
Bhakra is about 1 in 300 .The rainfall is heavy and silt loads are high.
Forest cover is sparse and vegetation has been denuded by over- grazing.
5.3

THE RIVER PROFILE

River Satluj rises near Rakas-Tal lake which is fed by lake Mansarover at
about 4570m above mean sea level between Rakas-Tal and Shipkilla, near
the Indian border, the Satluj river takes a North-Westerly course for a length
of about 320 Km in the Tibetan province of Nari-Khorsam. The Satluj is
joined by several tributaries in Nari-khorsam such as Changchu, Drama
Yankti, Chonak, Manglan, Transuo, Summa, and Trap etc. Immediately
after entering the Indian territory near Shipkilla the river takes a southwesterly direction on its way to Bhakra gorge about 320 Km away after
crossing which it emerges onto the plains of the Punjab. The Satluj crosses
the Great Himalayas at a point where the range bifurcates. At Rampur, it
crosses the Dahuladhar range then traverses through a series of
successive Shivalik ranges

and the Naina Devi range, where the Bhakra

V-- 4

LUHRI HEP

dam is situated, is the last of the series. Between Suni and Dehar, the river
takes a somewhat north-westerly direction. After Dehar, the river turns in a
south- westerly direction to reach the foot of Naina Devi range. The Naina
Devi range deflects the river again in a north-westerly direction when it
flows parallel to the range for about 32km before cutting through it at
Bhakra gorge.
The principal tributaries of the Satluj below Shipkilla are the Spiti, Kashang,
Baspa, Bhaba, Nogli, Kurpan, Nauti, Sholding, Sorang, Bharari, Ali and
Ghambar khad.
Numerous glaciers large and small drain into the Satluj at various points on
its course. East of Mansarover and feeding its principal source are the
glaciers of the Ganglug Gaungni, the southern glaciers of the Gauglung
Gangni, glaciers of Kailash flow into the Satluj through the lake of Rakas
Tal, The Northern glaciers of peak Kamer also contribute to the streams.
The glaciers of peak Riwa phargul which stands in the Satluj catchment
also flow into it.

There are many Himalayan glaciers draining into its

tributaries. The Baspa and many more from the direction of the Bara-Lacha
pass from the watersheds of the Chenab and Beas.
The fall of Satluj from its source to the plains of India is very uniform. The
height of the bed is about 4570m near Rakas-Tal, 2530m near Shipkilla,
915m at Rampur, 416 m at Bilaspur and 350m at the Bhakra Dam site.
The total catchment area of the Satluj above the Bhakra dam site is about
56875 Sq.km (21960 Sq.miles) and above the Luhri diversion site is about
52403 Sq.km (19235 Sq.miles). The river Satluj drains an area of about
50880 Sq.km (196745 Sq.miles) at Rampur discharge site.
A gross fall of 2180m is available in the river bed from Shipkilla to Bhakra in
V-- 5

LUHRI HEP

an length of about 320 Km.

The valley is narrow in the portion from

Shipkilla to Pooh and from Thopan to Rampur. In the portion between Pooh
to Thopan and Rampur to Bhakra the valley is comparatively wider. It is
widest in the portion immediately upstream of Bhakra.
The bed slope of river is flat from Shipkilla to Jangi dam site for a distance
of about 43 km, which is of the order of 1 in 175.

It becomes steep

between Jangi Dam site and Rampur, the slope being 1 in 87 and is again
flatter from Rampur to Kol Dam site with a slope of 1 in 300. It is the flattest
in the Bhakra reservoir area, the portion down stream of the Kol Dam,
where the bed slope is 1 in 500.
5.4

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL ASPECTS

5.4.1

General
The climatic conditions of the Satluj River basin are strongly influenced by
orthographic effects. Elevation 1525 m is the approximate boundary
between areas receiving the majority of precipitation in the form of rain and
those receiving mostly snow.
The catchment in Tibet receives practically no rainfall and precipitation is
mostly in the form of snow. No meteorological data for this catchment is
available for the present study. No precipitation observation is available for
Spiti Valley for this study. Observations at six precipitation station i.e.
Purbani, Kalpa, Sangla, Nichar and Rampur are being carried out in the
catchment in Distt. Kinnaur.
These observations, rainfall since long and snowfall introduced only
recently, are being conducted in a conventional manner. There is no selfrecording rain gauge/snow gauge station in the catchment up to Shongtong
V-- 6

LUHRI HEP

Barrage. There are in all twenty rain gauge stations in the catchment up
to Bhakra Dam site at which long term records are available.
5.4.2

Precipitation
The project catchment receives precipitation due to the South-West
monsoon as well as due to the western disturbances that pass over the
north-west part of the country during winter. On the basis of information
gathered from the different sources, it may be said that South-West
monsoon generally lasts from June to September but may occasionally
extend up to early October. Precipitation during this period which falls as
rain is generally not heavy but at times may contribute significantly towards
flood runoff. The winter precipitation falls either as rain or snow depending
upon altitude and other meteorological conditions and may be very heavy
on occasions but may not contribute directly to river discharge significantly
and mostly goes to feed the snow glacier bound areas of the catchment.
The number and distribution of rain/snow gauges is too small and
scattered to give any quantitative information regarding rain or snow that
occur over different parts of the year over the catchment.

5.4.3

Record of Precipitation
There are at present twenty rain gauge stations in the catchment of Satluj
River upstream of Bhakra, at which long term records are available. The
relevant details of these stations are given in the following table.

V-- 7

LUHRI HEP

TABLE
DETAILS OF RAINGAUGE STATIONS
Sr.No. Name of Station

Year of

Commencement

Altitude

Average Rainfall

(m)

(mm)

Bilaspur (Sadar)

1954

580.25

1103.80

Bilaspur (Obs)

1957

587.03

1226

Ghumarwin

1958

637

1215.40

Arki

1951

1219.20

1228.00

Suni

1956

510.24

978.00

Shimla

1956

2065

320.40

Karsog

1951

1890.00

977.80

Theog

1958

2286.00

1039.80

Shillaru

1952

2590.00

1280.00

10

Kotgarh

1955

1828.80

963.10

11

Kumarsain

1951

1388.36

813.10

12

Khadrala

1951

2956.56

1974.00

13

Rampur

1951

1066.60

923.70

14

Fancha

1951

2070.66

2290.50

15

Nichar

1951

2194.56

997.30

16

Kilba

1951

1706.88

822.60

17

Baspa

1974

2550.00

760.00

18

Sangla

1951

1986.20

820.00

V-- 8

LUHRI HEP

19

Kalpa

1951

2770.63

672.80

20

Purbani

1951

2194.56

579.60

The annual precipitation pattern is dominated by the monsoon from

June through September, during which 48% of the total rainfall occurs.
The catchment between Himachal Pradesh may be divided in two
portions, downstream of Rampur where rainfall is more and up steam of
Rampur where the rainfall is lesser. Table indicates the annual
ditribustion of the rainfall in the two areas.
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF RAINFALL
TABLE
Catchment

Average Rainfall (mm)

June-Sep. Oct.-Nov. Dec.-Feb.

(4Months)

Mar.-May

Total

(2months)

(3months)

(3months)

12months

670

52

190

149

1061

470

60

220

220

970

Bhakra
to Rampur
Rampur to
Shipkilla

There is no regular and systematic record of snowfall at any station in the

catchment although snow observations have been recently started at some
stations i.e. Purbani, Kalpa, Sangla, Kilba and Nichar from 1984.
5.4.4

Storm Rainfall
On the basis of observed data, the monthly and annual rainfall normals at
above said station is brought out in Annex-5.1 and to have an idea of the
magnitude of rainfall that may contribute toward the formation of maximum
V-- 9

LUHRI HEP

discharges, maximum 1 day and 2 day rainfall recorded over the area
represented by the above stations have been computed in case of all
important storms as below by arithmetic average.
Station wise breakup in respect of storms during October, 1956 and
January 1956 and January 1959 is given as under:Station

Rainfall in inches
9.10.56 10.10.56

11.10.56

Average

12.10.56

____________________________________________________________
Kilba

0.00

1.91

2.46

0.75

Sangla

0.15

2.50

2.00

1.23

Purbani

0.09

1.58

2.23

0.54

Nichar

2.70

10.56

2.80

0.36

Chini

3.06

0.11

2.06

2.45

Station

1day

2 day

10.10.56

3.39

5.70

Rainfall in inches
26.1.59 27.1.59

28.1.59

29.1.59

Kilba

71.00

0.00

194.10

0.00

Sangla

50.08

0.00

304.80

254.00

Purbani

38.10

0.00

254.00

12.70

Nichar

0.50

61.00

1.50

0.00

Average

1day

2 day

28.1.59
27-28.1.59

Chini

2.05

3.80

0.00

223.00

157.00

164.00

_____________________________________________________________

Maximum
Date

--

1 day

Maximum

Amount (mm)

Date

2 day
Amount

Sept.27,1954

37

Sept.26-27,1954

69

Sept.23,1955

44

Sept.23-24,1955

88

Sept.24,1955

57

Oct.23-4,1955

Oct.10,1956

86

102

Oct.10-11,1956
V-- 10

(mm)

145

LUHRI HEP

5.4.5

Jan.28,1959

151

Jan.27-28,1959

164

Sept.22,1962

50

Sept.22-23,1962

68

Temperature
Measurement of maximum and minimum daily temperature are being made
by different agencies at following sites in the Satluj valley from the year
shown against each.
______________________________________________
Name of station

Altitude (in Mtrs.)

Year of
Commencement
______________________________________________
Bhakra
400
1946
Bilaspur
580
1956
Rampur
930
1967
Wangtu
1525
1971
Powari
1990
1971
Sumdo
3245
1973
Temperature observations have been recently started at Kalpa and Jeori
from 1984.
Some significant data is as under:
______________________________________________
Station
Maximum
Minimum
Period
Temperature
Temperature
Deg.C
Deg.C
_____________________________________________
Shimla
30
-7.2
1956-70
Bilaspur
45.4
-2.0
1956-70
Kalpa
27
-9.5
1984-85
Jeori
40
-3.0
1984-85
___________________________________________________

V-- 11

LUHRI HEP

5.4.6

Stream Flow Gauging

There are river gauging stations on the Satluj river at Bhakra Kasol, Suni,
Rampur, Wangtu, Karcham, Thopan and Khab and on several of its
tributaries

namely the Spiti, Baspa, Bhaba, Sholding, Ghanvi, Sir, Sukar

and Sari Hydli Khad etc.

Gauge sites have been established at Suni, Kasol and Rampur. Discharge
site at Rampur and Suni are established by BBMB.Ten daily discharge
data of Satluj river at Suni, Kasol and Rampur are shown in Annex-5.2, 5.3
& 5.4 respectively.
5.4.7

Consistancy check:A check towards consistency of stream flow observations has been
conducted in respect of observations at Kasol, Suni and Rampur. Average
ten daily discharge data available for the concurrent period at these sites
has been analyzed. It is observed that linear co-relation exists between
Kasol vs Rampur, Suni vs Rampur. The corelation coefficient obtained for
these stations is as follows
Sr No

Description

Reg equation

Co relation coeff.

1.

Kasol vs Rampur

y = 1.1792x + 0.9228

0.9815

2.

Suni vs Rampur

y = 1.1048x o.o589

0.9911

5.5

WATER AVAILABILITY

5.5.1

10-Daily Flow Series At Luhri Dam Site

The long term series at Luhri dam site has been developed on
proportionate catchment area basis from the available discharge data at
Rampur and Suni discharge sites as follows:V-- 12

LUHRI HEP

Q L=QR+(QS-QR) x (C.A.Luhri CA at Rampur)

(CA Suni-CA at Rampur)
Where QR =Discharge at Rampur
Qs= Discharge at Suni
Q L= Discharge at Luhri
CA = Catchment area at Rampur
CA = Catchment area at Suni
CA = Catchment area at Luhri

= 50880 Sq Km
= 53063 Sq Km
= 52403 Sq Km

The ten daily series so developed has been shown in Annex 5.5.
5.6

DESIGN FLOOD

5.6.1

General
The catchment area of Satluj at Luhri diversion site is 52403 sq. km.
including a snow bound catchment of 38760 sq. km as shown in fig .1. The
maximum flows occur during June-August resulting due to combined
contribution of rainfall and snowmelt. A significant portion (about ) of the
catchment lies in Tibet Territory of Republic of China. For this area no
record of rainfall/runoff is available with Indian Meteorological Department
(IMD).
For the present study , design flood has been calculated using frequency
analysis. However at the detailed project report stage the analysis shall be
done using hydro meteorological approach also.

5.6.2

River Discharge data

Instantaneous flow data at Rampur is available for 31 years of continuous
period ( years 1972-2003). Discharge data is also available at Suni for the
year (1979-2003).
V-- 13

LUHRI HEP

5.6.3

Flood Frequency Analysis

The flood studies have been made through frequency analysis in the
project area .The study is based on flood peak values from 1972 to 2003
available at Rampur and Suni from 1979 t0 2003 and the values at Luhri
has been interpolated from the above.

5.6.4

Monsoon Flood

i)

From flood peak values available at Rampur

Flood peak values for the sites at Rampur on Satluj river available from
1972 to 1999, are presented in Table 5.1. The estimated monsoon design
flood by Gumble's method has been worked out in Table.5.2.
Monsoon design flood at Rampur for 1000 year's flood works out to be
5376.77

cumecs and for 10000 year's flood the same is 6435.18

cumecs.
From the interpolation as:QLuhri = QRampur (CALuhri / CARampur)3/4
= 6435(52403/50880)3/4
Design flood for Luhri dam site works out to be 6578.93 cumecs.
ii)

From flood peak values available at Suni

Flood peak values for the sites at Suni on Satluj river available from 1979 to
2000, are presented in Table.5.3. The estimated monsoon design flood by
Gumble's method has been worked out in Table.5.4.
Monsoon design flood for 1000 year's flood works out to be 3718.14
cumecs and for 10000year's flood the same is 4257.98cumecs.
From the interpolation as:QLuhri = QSuni (CALuhri / CASuni)3/4
Design flood for Luhri dam

site works out to be 4227 cumecs.

V-- 14

LUHRI HEP

Design flood adopted for the projects in the vicinity

a) Upstream project:- Design flood adopted for the Nathpa Jhakari HEP
( CA-49820 Sq Km)=5660 Cumecs.
b) Downstream project:- Design flood adopted for Kol Dam project ( CA
53700 Sq Km) PMF=16,500 Cumecs
_ SPF= 11,400 Cumecs
Note:- Detailed design flood studies as suggested by CWC shall be done at
DPR level.
For pre feasibility report level studies, a flood of 6579 has been take
in to consideration.

V-- 15

LUHRI HEP

5.7

SEDIMENTATION ASPECTS

5.7.1

SEDIMENT TRANSPORT

5.7.1.1

Suspended sediment data

The HPSEB has initiated a sediment-sampling programme at several
gauging stations in the actual river systems. The long time series and
frequent sampling intervals have created a unique resource in assessing
future impacts on the actual projects. The data is furthermore of great
scientific value, in illustrating the sediment production in the Himalayas in a
far greater depth compared to what previously has been published in the
scientific literature from the region.

Fig.1- Gauging stations in upper (Indian section). Gauging stations at Khab

and Wangtoo have been used to assess the sediment transport. After
Sharma et.al.1991.
V-- 16

LUHRI HEP

Normally water sampling is carried out on a daily basis (at 10.00 hrs.).
Water samples are collected as "bucket samples". Ordinary buckets are
used for sampling at three points along transects across the rivers. Out of
each bucket representative samples of three litres are drawn. The samples
are separately passed through a 100-mesh sieve to estimate the coarse
fraction (i.e. >0.20 mm).
The sieved samples are again stirred and allowed to stand for the time
required for the setting of the medium fraction, depending upon the
temperature of the water. The medium fraction is dried and weighed. A 35
ml sample of the remaining materials is also dried and weighed to represent
the line fraction (< 0.075 mm) and the dissolved salts. The weight of the
find fraction is determined by subtracting the weight of salts from the total.
The sediment transport is estimated by multiplying the discharge (assuming
that the Q-value recorded at the time of the sampling represents the daily
mean discharge) by the sediment concentration. The discharge estimates
are based on known cross sections and velocity measurements made by a
wooden float, floating for 30 metres along the river. The mean velocity is
obtained by multiplying the surface velocity by 0.89.
5.7.1.2

Assessment of suspended sediment studies

In order to evaluate the data and to estimate the sediment transport of the
Satluj river (at Luhri), the sediment concentration data (collected by
HPSEB) have been used for the calculations in combination with the
recalculated discharge figures provided by SwedPower.
Sediment rating curves (based ion linear regression analysis, using logtransformer values for water discharge and sediment load/concentration)
are normally applied to assess sediment transport. To set if this method is
V-- 17

LUHRI HEP

applicable for the data provided on the Satluj River, such regressions were
made.
Utilising all available data from both flood and low discharge period no
significant correlation could be found between discharge and concentration,
which illustrates the complex sediment input pattern to the rivers. Snowmelt
and snowmelt related erosion processes (rapid mass wasting) in
combination with glacier run-off are the major sediment sources, but
obviously the local influence (i.e. process activities closer to the sampling
point) is of great importance. These processes vary in magnitude and
frequency between individual years and therefore the concentration figures
cannot fit into a standard sediment-rating curve.
The relations between concentration and discharge are somewhat better
during the "active" period of the annual hydrograph. Excluding the low
discharge period and calculating the correlation coefficient (r2) during the
April (with increasing discharge) to September period (decreasing
discharge) a better correlation could be found. The data illustrate the
difficulty to apply sediment rating curve approach to assess the sediment
transport in such a river, as well as the differences between the rivers
during individual years.
For the Spiti river (upstream of Khab) the following figures were found:
Year1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 19811982
R 0.66 0.35

0,52

0.81

0.69

0.55

0.62

0.49

0.39

0..54 0.33

Year1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 19921993
R2 0.33 0.49

0.65

0.24

0.72

V-- 18

0.70

0.65

0.57

0.59

0.66

LUHRI HEP

Using the same method the relations for Satluj (upstream of Khab) can be
illustrated by the following series.
Year1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 19811982
R2 0.40 0,29

0,54

0.10

0,63

0,69

0.34

0.48

0.52

0.21 0.69

Year1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 19921993
R2

0.41 0.73 0.46 0.28

0.77

0.52

0.68

0.67

0.60

0.57

The differences between the two rivers can also be illustrated by the
following figures (Fig 2,3 and 4);

Fig.2 Sediment concentration upstream of Khab during 1992. Both rivers

have low concentrations during low discharge periods. The period with high
concentrations is shorter for the Spiti
V-- 19

LUHRI HEP

As the sediment rating curve approach could not be applied we have, in

order to estimate the sediment transport, chosen to construct a flow
duration curve based on the available hydrological data, utilising the Stat
View computer programme for the Macintosh Computer. The sediment
concentration was classed in relation to discharge intervals and the median
concentration for each interval was used to calculate the sediment transport
for each segment of the flow duration curve.
The results (based on values from the 2972-1992 period) were a total
suspended load for the Spiti River of 7.66 million tonnes/year and for the
Satluj River of 7.30 million tonnes. Both values are valid for the gauging
sites upstream Khab. In this context, it shall be noted that the annual
discharge of Spiti River is at average twice the annual discharge of Satluj
River upstream of Khab.
In a scientific report Sharma et.al (1991) used a series of sediment data
(1977-1985) from HPSEB to assess the suspended sediment transport at
Khab and Wangtoo. Measured concentrations were multiplied by each
discharge figure. Their estimate for the two upstream stations, were in Spiti
of the shorter period, quite similar to the present calculation. For the Spiti
Sharma et.al (1991) estimated an annual transport of 7.84 million tonnes
and for the Satluj 7 million tonnes. In Spiti of the great annual variations the
two study periods show a great similarity concerning run-off, which also
explain the similarity transport estimates.

V-- 20

LUHRI HEP

Fig.3 Box plot" of the sediment concentration upstream of Khab including

all samples from the 1971-1992 period. The plot illustrates the distribution
of concentration in the two rivers. The plot is based on a frequency analysis
of the data. The uppermost horizontal line illustrates the 90th percentile and
the dots above that line represent individual data points. The "boxes"
illustrate the range of concentration for the bulk of the samples. The
diagram further illustrates the higher peak concentrations of the Satluj
compared with those of the Spiti. The mean concentration of the Satluj and
Spiti is 1,361 g/l and 0,843 g/l respectively.
The estimated suspended sediment transport at Wangtoo is 26,2 million
tonnes per year according to Sharma et.al (1991). This means that the
actual project area, which is rather dry, yields about 11 million tonnes per
year. Most of the sediment contribution is likely to originate from area along
the main rover, and can be seen as a contribution from the rapid mass wasting

processes

and,

to

glaciofluvial sediments.
V-- 21

some

extent,

by erosion of ancient

LUHRI HEP

The sediment yield figures are realistic. The annual variation is high and
can be explained by the modes of sediment contribution, continuous or
catastrophic (by rapid mass wasting). Long time series, like the ones
discussed in this report, are therefore very important to make an
appropriate assessment.
The grain size distribution of suspended sediments, estimated by Sharma
et.al, is given below;
____________________________________________________________________
River
Fine
Medium
Coarse
(Data from Sharma et <0.075 mm
0.075-0.20 mm >0.20 mm
al)
____________________________________________________________________
Satluj at Khab
Spiti at Khab
Satluj at Wangtu
Samples

Fig.4

64.1
66.4
59.9

22.3
21.2
23,2

13.6
12.4
16.9

Frequency of observed suspended sediment concentrations in

the Satluj river 19972-1992. The vast majority of samples lie within the
lowest class of concentration.
V-- 22

LUHRI HEP

Gupta (1989) suggests slightly different figures as typical for the grain size
distribution in the Satluj rIver (Fine: 50%, Medium: 25% and Coarse: 25%)
For this assessment we have not been able to analyse the annual and
seasonal variation of the grain size distribution, but data from the Dhamwari
Sunda in the Pabbar River (Swed Power 1989), indicate both annual and
seasonal trends in grain size variation.
5.7.1.3

Bed-Load
No measurement has been made of the bed-load in the river. Bed-load can
either be estimated by sampling or by the application of equations. Both
methods have their drawbacks. To sample bed-load sophisticated
equipment is needed and appropriate sites have to be found for sampling
-The use of bed-load formulas, often based on flume experiments, and the
application of results to field conditions ion natural rovers is made on the
assumption that there exists an overall relationship between discharge and
sediment transport (including bed-load).
This assumption is not fulfilled in a river like the Upper Satluj, where the
bed material is heterogeneous as a result of heavy floods (breaking up the
"erosion pavement" of coarse bed material exposing a finer substratum) or
by the catastrophic input from rapid mass wasting process. Both factors
result in a rapid increase in bed-load transport, that is reduced when the
river bed has been adapted to the new situation. It is therefore also
pronounced difference between the rising limb and the falling limb of a flood
event.
Because of the circumstances mentioned above, it is often more practical to
rely or empirical data for an estimate of probable bed-load. Several such
empirical methods can be applied. Maddrock (1951) has developed a
V-- 23

LUHRI HEP

method based on suspended concentration (ppm), bed material in the

stream and grain size of the suspended material.
Applying this method to the data for Satluj river presented in the previous
section and the characteristics of the river bed (gravel and rock) a rough
estimate of the bed-load should be in the range of 5 to 12% of the
suspended load. According to their experience the HPSEB, however,
regularly calculates with a bed-load of 15-20% of the suspended load,
which is more in the line with what can be expected from the grain size
distribution presented by Gupta.
5.8

RECOMMENDATIONS
i)

Long term rainfall/ snowfall data available in the catchment may be

collected and the discharge data may be cross checked.

ii)

For computation of design flood by hydro-meteorological approach

few flood events of higher value at Luhri proposed diversion site with
short interval discharge corresponding to ORG & SRRG rain fall data
of catchment may be collected. Few SRRG & ORG stations and
weather stations etc may be established to collect more information
regarding precipitation and snow melt.

V-- 24

LUHRI HEP

V-- 25

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER-VI
CONCEPUAL LAYOUT PLANNING
6.1

GENERAL: Luhri Hydroelectric Project located in Shimla district of Himachal

Pradesh, is a run-of-river type development proposed to harness the
hydel potential of river Satluj between luhri and Chaba villages. The
project envisages construction of a 60m high (above river bed)
concrete gravity dam on the river Satluj near village Nathan for
diversion of a design discharge of 586 cumecs, through five intakes
and underground desilting arrangement into a 15.50 km long, 11 m
finished horse shoe head race tunnel on the right bank of Satluj river.
The tunnel terminates in a 52 m-diameter open to sky surge tank. The
water from surge tank shall be further conveyed through three no's,
each 6.35 m diameter, 220 long steel penstock to three generating
units in an underground power house at Chaba. A gross head of 127 m
is available at the power station, which shall be utilized to generate 465
MW (3x155MW) of power.

6.2

MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE DAM PROJECT

6.2.1

River diversion works

For the construction of the dam and appurtenant works, the river
diversion is proposed to be done through a diversion tunnel, located on
the left bank of river, capable of carrying non-monsoon flood of 1267
cumecs. Partly constructed works of the concrete dam on the left bank

VI - 1

LUHRI HEP

and in the river portion shall be allowed to be over topped during

monsoon period.
Cofferdams shall be constructed up-stream and down-stream of the
dam axis at the starting and end points of the diversion tunnel every
year after the monsoons.
6.2.2

Diversion dam
It is proposed to construct a straight gravity type concrete dam, 60
high(above river bed) near Nathan Village to divert 596 cumecs of
discharge. Out of this discharge, 119 cumecs is meant for flushing of
sediments through the desilting arrangement. With a view to found the
dam on sound rock, the foundations of the dam shall be taken to rock
bed level of the river. The length of the dam at top shall be 177.50 m
consisting of 125.73 m as non-overflow section and 50.19 m as over
flow section. The over flow section is designed to pass a maximum
flood of 6579 cumecs which correspondence to 10000 years
frequency.
The full reservoir level and the minimum draw-down level will be at El
770 m and 728 m respectively. The diurnal pondage afforded by the
dam would be 12.45 MM3. The water spread of the reservoir does not
involve any rehabilitation problem, as the area submerged is barren
land without any habitation.
Pond levels
For fixing the pond levels, area capacity curve at the proposed dam site
has been prepared( fig 6.1). The maximium pond level at the dam is fixed at El
770.00 m , based on the consideration of submergence of Luhri town and
minimum submergence of cultivable area along Satluj river.

VI - 2

LUHRI HEP

The discharge required for 465 MW installed capacity for given conditions of
head etc. is 586 cumecs. Based on the minimum river discharge of about 100
cumecs on 90 % availability basis, a live storage of 699.84 Ha m is required for
setting four hour peaking throughout the non-monsoon period . The available
live storage between the proposed FRL and MDDL is 1245 Ham .
Eight openings of 7.0 m x 7.0m have been proposed in the main body
of the dam to serve as river sluices to wash down the bigger river
sediments that my flow into the reservoir during floods.
Consolidation grouting is proposed over the entire foundation base
through 8.0m deep holes at 3.0m c/c spacing and staggered both
ways. Curtain grouting will be carried out on upstream side for creating
an impervious barrier by a single line of holes 25 m deep at 3 m c/c
making an angle of 10 with the vertical. For drainage of foundation
rock, 20 m deep holes at 3 m c/c spacing have been proposed down
stream of curtain grout holes.
Details of dam and appurtenant works are indicated in drg no
HPSEB/DP/LUHRI-02.
6.2.3

Intake Structure
The intake structure comprising five intakes, proposed on the right
bank of river shall be designed to handle a discharge of 733 cumecs. A
semi circular trash rack structure with reinforced concrete columns has
been proposed for each intake. The rectangular opening of 10.62 m x
15.03 m at the start of the intake is reduced to 7.00 m x 6.50 m through
a suitable bell mouth transition for vertical lift gates provided to control
the flow of water into the desilting chambers. A suitable transition is

VI - 3

LUHRI HEP

provided to convert the rectangular opening into a 6.5 m dia horse

shoe tunnel. The circular intake tunnels shall lead the water into the
desilting chambers.
6.2.4

Desilting arrangement
An underground desilting arrangement has been proposed on the right
bank of river to exclude silt particles down to 0.25 mm size from the
water before it enters the head race tunnel. The arrangement
comprises five parallel chambers 705 m long, 35.50 m high (including
7.50 m hopper portion) and 16 m wide. Grouted rock bolts, 6 m long
and 3 m c/c (staggered) shall be provided kin the roof and sides of the
chambers. Each chamber shall have a 3 m wide collection trench in
the center and the hopper portion of the chamber slopes towards this
trench. While the base of the collection trench shall have a longitudinal
slope of 1 in 200 towards downstream, the top of chamber shall slope
1 in 600 towards upstream. The sediments from the collection trench
will flow down to the flushing tunnel below this trench, and ultimately
flushed out to the river through main flushing tunnel.
Control valves will be provided at the junction of these silt flushing
tunnels with the main flushing tunnel. Provision has also been made
for a 4 m D-shaped gate-cum-ventilation gallery for operation of stop
log gates to close any of the two desilting compartments for repairs.
Two adits, one at springing level of the arch portion of the chambers
and the other near the bottom of the main body of chamber, have been
proposed to facilitate speedy execution of desilting chambers.
The layout and other details of desilting arrangement are shown in
drawing. NO HPSEB/DP/LHP-03.

VI - 4

LUHRI HEP

6.2.5

Head race tunnel

The head race tunnel, from the junction point at link tunnels from
desilting chambers to the main surge tank, is 15.50 km. long and 11 m
diameter horse shoe in section. The tunnel diameter is based on
techno-economic studies for a discharge of 586 cumecs at a flow
velocity of 5.81 m/sec. The rock cover on the head race tunnel, laid to
a slope of 1 in 500 will vary from about 90 m to about 900 m along its
length. The head race tunnel shall be concrete lined with sections fully
supported/partially supported with steel ribs, besides necessary rock
bolting as required by geological considerations.

6.2.6

Surge shaft
The main surge tank, located at the intake of the penstock at 15.50 km
from the 0 RD of head race tunnel, will be 52 m dia and 147.00 m high
with a restricted orifice. A 5.0 m D-shaped adit is proposed at El
670.00 m to approach the bottom of the surge tank to facilitate
constructions. The upper expansion gallery shall be approached for
construction through a 6.50 m D-shaped adit.

6.2.7

Pressure shaft tunnels

Three penstock tunnels, each 220 m long and 6.35 m dia would take
off from the surge tank at an angle of approximately 90to the
horizontal. These would be lined with high tensile steel corresponding
to ASTM-A-537 varying in thickness from 15mm near the penstock
intake to 35mm at the power house end. Each penstock will feed the

VI - 5

LUHRI HEP

three generating units. A spherical valve has been provided in each

penstock to enable closing of penstock whenever required.
The lower portion of the penstocks shall be executed through an adit
taking off from the tail race. To expedite construction, a 7.00 m Dshaped intermediate adit has also been proposed.
6.2.8

Power house
An underground power house of internal dimensions 123 m x 21 m and
51 m high would be located about 130m below the natural surface
level. The power house will have an arched roof with concrete lining
and shall house three generating units, each of 155 MW capacity. The
transformer hall and underground switch yard (78 m x 16 m x 25 m)
are located downstream of the power house cavern. Rock bolting at
suitable spacing will bee provided in these caverns.
Two (overhead) cranes each of 198/25 T capacity with crane girders
supported on rock at either and will be provided in the main power
house cavity. The capacities of cranes proposed to be installed in the
valve house, transformer and switch yard and tail race surge chamber
caverns will be 125.25 and 10 T respectively.
The generator floor and the service bay floor would be at the same
level. Provision has also been made for auxiliary rooms and other
service facilities at one end of the power house.
Two utility tunnels taking off from the tailrace tunnel shall be provided
to approach the bottom portion of the power house and shall facilities
the excavation of the machine hall, transformer gallery and tail race
surge chamber. To approach the top of the machine hall as also the

VI - 6

LUHRI HEP

top of transformer gallery and tailrace surge chamber, an adit is

proposed to be constructed with its portal at EL. 671.30 m. This adit
shall be sued for construction of arch portion and other works from the
top.
6.2.9

Tailrace tunnel
The tail race tunnel with 11 m diameter horseshoe section, 150 m long
will be provided to carry the discharge from three draft tube tunnels
emanating from the power house. The invert level of this tunnel at its
portal end has been kept at EL 628.00 m. As river water flow level is
much higher than this level, the portal of the tail race tunnel shall be
enclosed in a deep canyan cut by providing a rock ledge between the
river and tunnel portal. The excavated section will be supported with
steel ribs 2000mm spaced at 1 m c/c and 20 cm thick initial concrete,
as the excavation proceeds.

6.3

RECOMMENDATIONS
Project components are based on the conceptual layout only which
may be firmed up by detailed survey and detailed geological
investigations to be carried out as per CWC/CEA guidelines.

VI - 7

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER-VII
POWER AND ENERGY BENEFITS
7.1

GENERAL
Luhri Hydel Project has been conceived as run of river development for
generation of hydropower. The project consists of construction of a
diversion dam at Nathan village D/S of confluence of Behna Khad with
Satluj river near Nathan village in Shimla District of, Himachal Pradesh.
The water so diverted shall pass through a desilting chamber, head
race tunnel and under ground penstock to an underground power
house near village Chaba on the right bank of Satluj river to generate
465 MW of power. The power house shall have three units of 165 MW
each driven by Francis turbine.

7.2

POWER POTENTIAL

7.2.1

Water Availability
Ten daily discharges series at dam site for a period of 30 years from
1972-73 to 2001-02 has been given in Annex 5.5.The series has been
vetted

by

Hydrology(N)

directorate

of

CWC,

vide

letter

no

7/9/HPSEB/03/HP&I/727 dated 07.04.2004 for use in pre feasibility

studies of Luhri HEP.
7.2.2

90% and 50% dependable year flow series

For computation of 90% and 50% dependable year discharges, the
unrestricted energy generation series has been developed as shown in
Annex 7.1. The unrestricted energy generation in a hydrological year
VII - 1

LUHRI HEP

(June-May) has been arranged in descending order of magnitude and

exceedence frequency computed by using Weibull's plotting position
farmula p= (m/m+1) as given in Annexe 7.2. From the Annexe 7.2, it
is observed that year 1997-98 with an excedence probability of 90.32
% can be used as 90 % dependable year on a safer side. Similarly
1989-90 with a frequency of 50 % has been taken as 50 % dependable
year.
Flows in a 90 % dependable year and 50 % dependable year has been
given in Annex 7.3. Generation in a 90% and 50% dependable year
works out as 1825.13 and 2080.79 MU and has been given in Annex
7.4 & 7.5 respectively.
The design energy works out as 1586.90 MU as per the GOI
guidelines, after restricting the machine availability to 95 % in a 90 %
dependable year.
7.3

FLOW DURATION CURVE

Flow duration curve for Luhri dam site has been established from the
ten daily discharge data at Luhri dam site, which has been derived
from ten daily discharge data available at Rampur and Suni as
explained in chapter 5.4.1. The flow duration curve has been shown in
figure 7.1. From this curve the discharge prevalent and exceeding
90% of time has been computed as 92.77 Cumecs while discharge
prevalent and exceeding 50 % of time has been computed as 180.00
Cumecs. The design discharge of 586 cumecs is available for 25.63 %
of time.

7.4

FULL RESERVOIR LEVEL(FRL) AND DAM HEIGHT

Area capacity curve for straight gravity dam has been shown in Fig 7.1
Contour corresponding to El 770.00 touch the river at Luhri town. Full
reservoir level of 770.00 m has been kept in view of the fact that Luhri

VII - 2

LUHRI HEP

town do not gets submerged and minimum cultivable area along Satluj
river is submerged.
Dam Height
The river bed level at the proposed dam site is 709.84 m . The river at
this location has a straight reach with well defined banks. On both the
banks good quality rock is exposed, and on the river bed the bed rock
is expected to available at a depth of about 20 meters. The width of
river is sufficient to accommodate the necessary spillways to pass the
design flood.
Thus a dam of 60 m height ( from the river bed) as per details given
below is proposed for diversion of Satluj river water for power
generation:-

7.5

Deepest foundation level

689.00 m

River bed elevation

709.84 m

Full reservoir level

770.00 m

Top of dam/road level

773.00 m

Dam height

80 m

MINIMUM DRAW DOWN LEVEL(MDDL)

The river bed level at dam site is 709.84 m. The sluices in the dam
body have been kept at El 715.00 m for flushing out the bed load
deposited upstream of dam during high flood season. Since the project
is a run of the river scheme no separate provision has been made for
dead storage. The sill level of sluices has been kept 6.0 m above the
river bed so that flip buckets are kept clear of tail water. To avoid the
bed load from entering into the intake , the intake sill level is kept at
719.50 m i.e. 4.5 m above the sill level of sluices. Four number intake
tunnels of 7.0 m horse shoe shape with bell mouth entry are propsed
for drawing water. To avoid vortex formations front of the intake, the
minimum draw down level (MDDL) has been fixed as 728.00 m , as
discussed in Appendix-A.
VII - 3

LUHRI HEP

7.6

TAIL WATER LEVEL(TWL)

Underground power house has been located about 4 km upstream of
Chabba village on the right bank of Satluj river. The tail race tunnel
shall discharge directly in to the reservoir of downstream Kol dam
project. The FRL of the project is at El 642.00 m. Tail race tunnel is 11
m diameter with invert level at El 630.00 m. The tail water level shall
fluctuate as per the head water level of Kol dam project reservoir.

7.7

Design Head
Weighted gross head between maximum tail water level and minimum
intake water level is 114 m. The design head adopted for the turbines
has been taken as 88 mtrs. considering fluctuations.
The basic parameters are as below: Maximum water level at intake

= EL 770.00 m

Minimum draw down level

= El 728.00 m

Weighted head water level

= El 756.00 m

Normal tail water level

= EL 642.00 m

Gross head

= 128.00 m

Losses in water conductor system

= 26.00m

at 586 cumecs discharge

Net head

= 88.00m

Design head

= 88.00m

The design head of 88.00 m is well within the range permitted for
Francis type turbine from cost and efficiency considerations.
7.8

INSTALLED CAPACITY STUDIES

Detailed studies for fixing installed capacity of Luhri Hydel project has
been carried out and the same is elucidated in the succeeding
paragraph.
VII - 4

LUHRI HEP

Incremental energy studies have been carried out for different installed
capacities from 300MW to 600MW at an interval of 20MW for 90%
dependable year and are shown in Annexe 7.6. A graph has been
plotted as installed capacity vs incremental energy. Also installed
capacity vs total energy generation has been plotted as shown in chart
7.7. Incremental energy benefit is significant up to 465MW, then
constant in range 465MW- 560MW and starts decreasing thereafter.
The project shall operate on an average load factor of 24.09 % in a
90 % dependable year Annex VII. The project shall operate on an
average load factor of 79.44 % in monsoon period in

a 90 %

dependable year Annex VII. The average load factor for lean period in
a 90 % dependable however works out as 19.81 % year Annex VII.
The 465 MW installed capacity is proposed for Luhri HEP on the basis
of operating load factors mentioned above and the pondage provided
for peaking during lean flow period. The water conductor system shall
be designed for discharge of 586 cumecs which is capable of
generating 465 MW under a net head of 88 m with overall efficiency of
92 percent.
7.10

UNIT SIZE
The unit size has been selected after due consideration of the following
factors:

a)

The installed capacity should be delivered by units of same capacity to

minimise costs and reduce the spare parts and special tools required
for operation and maintenance.

b)

The units should be as large as possible to obtain the benefits of scale.

c)

The penstocks, turbines and generators should not be so large that

their components cannot be transported and assembled at site.
VII - 5

LUHRI HEP

d)

The Francis turbine should not be so large that they have to run at low
efficiencies for long period of time.
After due consideration of all these factors a unit size of 155MW in a
three unit configuration has been selected.

7.10

RECOMMENDATIONS
Installed capacity optimisation is based on the energy generation,
which shall be carried out on the project cost basis also, as the project
components are firmed up based on the detailed studies. The
development of scheme with respect to other upstream and
downstream development in the Satluj basin be also studied.

VII - 6

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER VIII

ELECTRO MECHANICAL WORKS & POWER EVACUATION

8.1

ELECTRO MECHANICAL WORKS

8.1.1

General
Luhri Hydel Project is up stream development of Kol Dam HEP and is
located in Shimla Distt. Of Himachal Pradesh. A net head of 107
meters has been utilized to generate 465 MW of power at Luhri Power
house.
The project shall utilize waters of Satluj river to generate 465 MW of
power.
The salient features of Luhri HEP are as under:-

Net Head

88 Meters

Installed capacity

465 MW

No. and size of units

3 units of 155 MW each.

Type of Power House

Underground.

Cost of Electrical Works:P-production-------

Rs. 46173.48 Lacs.

T- Transmission---

Rs. 1085.10

Lacs.

8.1.2 SCOPE
This project report incorporates the detailed abstract of cost under the
heading P- production
transmission

(generating plant

Equipment)

and T-

(Transmission lines for evacuation of power). Detailed

analysis in the form of various Annexes have been attached to this report.

VIII - 1

LUHRI HEP

The cost estimates are based on the rates prevailing during the current
year i.e. 2002-2003.
8.1.3

Power House
The power house site is located on the right bank of Satluj river and is
approachable from Kalka (nearest broad gauge Railway station) . The
underground power house ( 78 m (L) x 20.7m(W) x 48 m(H)) will
have 3 generating units of 155 MW each along with all the auxiliary
facilities such as cooling water / potable water supply system, fire
protection system, compressed air supply , oil system, ventilation and
Air conditioning system etc.
The control room , LT room, Battery room, air conditioning Plant,
Offices, cable spreading area will be accommodated in different floors
adjacent to the machine hall and will increase the length of power
house cavity by

15 m. The service bay shall be located on the

opposite end of the machine hall. Provision for the lubricating oil
handling plant, the water treatment and filtration plant and store etc.
has also been made. The generator transformers will be located in a
separate cavity and will be connected to generating units through 11
kV bus ducts. On a floor just above the transformers , 400 kV GIS
equipment shall be accommodated.
8.1.4

Mechanical Equipment

8.1.4.1

Turbines
The vertical shaft, Francis turbine of 158 MW capacity with a rated
synchronous speed of 187.50 rpm has been found to be suitable in

VIII - 2

LUHRI HEP

view of the over all economy of the power house. Each turbine shall be
provided with suitable oil pressure unit, Electro hydraulic governor and
other requisite control equipment.
8.1.4.2

Governor
Since Luhri power house will be connected with

Nalagarh / Hissar

400 kV substation and Rampur HEP and shall also be operated as

peaking station in tandem with this project, it is of great importance
that the governor accuracy and sensitivity is of high order so as to
ensure that all the regulators behave in the same way for any change
in the system load. Thus to avoid mutual hunting and over regulation ,
it is proposed to provide Electro Hydraulic governor. The governing
system for each unit will have an individual oil pressure system
consisting of oil to air mixer and an oil tank with two pumps as well as
the automatic control equipment. Speed etc. would be indicated both
on the governor cubicle and on the unit control board to facilitate
supervision of operation of the unit. The controls would include
provision for emergency shut down of unit in case of : Loss of Pressure in the oil pressure vessel of Governor oil system.
Excessive temperature rise in Bearing.
Excessive speed rise of the unit.
Electrical faults.
8.1.4.3

Main Inlet valves

A main inlet valve of the Butterfly type would be provided at each
turbine inlet

for maintenance of the turbine and for emergency

isolation of the turbine in the event of governor failure. Each valve shall

VIII - 3

LUHRI HEP

be actuated by means of

servomotor which shall be fed from an

independent oil pressure unit.

Each valve unit shall constitute a complete independent unit with its
own operating system for opening and closing, which will be connected
to the automatic start and stop sequence of the respective turbine unit.
8.1.4.4

Cooling Water and Fire protection System

A pumping system would be provided to supply adequate quantity of
water from the tail race for cooling of the turbine and generator
bearings, generator air coolers and selected plant services.
Water for fire protection would be taken from an elevated reservoir
providing both reliable operation and ample capacity to fight fire in the
power house. A back up water supply to this reservoir would also be
provided.

8.1.4.5

Potable Water and Sanitary Drainage

Water from the cooling water system would be used to supply the
plants potable and sanitary water needs. The potable water would be
filtered and chemically treated as required. Sanitary sewerage would
be treated in a septic system before discharge in to tail race of power
plant.

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LUHRI HEP

8.1.4.6

Compressed Air System

A high pressure compressed air plant would be installed to meet the
requirements of the governor oil system and the oil pressure system of
the spherical valves.
A low pressure compressed air plant would also be installed to meet
the requirements of the station pneumatic tools and other general
purpose in the power house.

8.1.3.7

Oil System
A portable dehydration unit comprising of oil heaters, Filters, tank etc.
would be provided in the power station for the treatment of governor/
Bearings and switch gear oils.

8.1.3.8

Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Power house would be provided with ventilation system as required for
the underground power house

work areas and offices. An air

conditioning system would be provided to maintain the control room

at the selected design temperature and humidity levels. The
temperature and humidity level would be selected to suit the
requirements of equipment and staff.
8.1.3.9

Power House Crane

In order to expedite the completion of various construction activities of
the power house, 2 Nos. electric over head travelling bridge crane with

VIII - 5

LUHRI HEP

capacity of 195/20 tonnes would be installed in the power house

primarily for erection, maintenance and repair of the generating units.
The cranes would be equipped with motor control system providing
suitable procedure for equipment erection.
8.1.4

Electrical Equipment

8.1.4.1

Generator
Each generator shall be of vertical shaft, salient pole type,
Synchronous generator directly coupled to the hydro turbine and
having a rated out put of 172.22 MVA with 0.9 lag power factor. The
generator bearing arrangement

shall be of conventional type i.e.

suspended type. It is proposed to equip the generators with dynamic

braking in addition to the friction brakes. The generator shall have
class-F insulation in line with modern practice and temperature
restricted to class-B insulation.
The generator will be air cooled with a closed ventilation system using
air water heat exchanger placed around the stator frame. The
generators are proposed to be equipped with the following electrical
protection equipment:1. High speed differential protection for generator.
2. Generator Over Voltage protection.
3. Back up over current protection.
4. Stator earth fault relay protection.
5. Negative Phase Sequence Current protection.
6. Rotor Field Circuit earth Fault Relay & protection.

VIII - 6

LUHRI HEP

7. Loss of excitation relay schemes.

8. Generator thermal relay protection.
9. Phase balance relay.
8.1.4.2

Excitation system
The excitation system of the generator will be of static type and will
include static type voltage regulator of latest design, field suppression
equipment and the associated accessories.
The power for the excitation system will be taken from the generator
main bus by means of a dry type or epoxy encased step down
transformer. The excitation system will be self contained requiring only
an external power source for field flashing at unit starting. The field
flashing supply will be taken from the station battery.
The excitation system including the voltage regulator will be placed in
the cubicles adjacent to the generator pit.

8.1.4.3

Generator Switch gear and Connecting cables

Each generator shall be connected to its step up transformer by
means of 11 kV bus ducts. Current transformers

required for

protection, control and metering will be located and form part of the
bus ducts assemblies.
The generator switch gear will be of the metal enclosed type placed in
a separate room close to the generator. It will include the generator
phase equipment and connections shown in the attached single line

VIII - 7

LUHRI HEP

diagram. The equipment for the generator neutral side will be placed
in a cubicle adjacent to the generator pit.
8.1.4.4

Generator Transformers
10 Nos. Indoor generator transformers of 63 MVA , 11/ 400/3 kV ,
single phase , 50 Hz rating will be provided and placed in a separate
underground cavity (75 m(L) x 16 m(W) ). The transformer cavity shall
be located on the down stream side of the power house cavity. The
OFWF type of cooling is proposed for generator transformer.

8.1.4.5

Control and Monitoring Equipment

The plant will be designed to be operated as an attended type. Unit
control will be provided locally while central control will be from various
control panels located in the control and relay room of the power
house. Control equipment will include metering and control panels,
protections for supervision and operation of the generator turbine, 11
kV switch gear , auxiliary power system, transformers and 400 kV
switch gear.
The control equipment will also include the PLC and
Telecommunication equipment required for the transmission lines.
Provision for connection to the state load dispatch center will also be
provided.

8.1.4.6

Station Service/ Auxiliary Supply

The station service supply is proposed to be taken through 22 kV Local
Distribution system. In addition, for reliability, 2X250 KVA DG sets

VIII - 8

LUHRI HEP

shall also be provided for the black start capability. This will also feed
local area , Colony, head works etc. The unit auxiliaries shall be fed
through 11/0.415 kV, 1 MVA transformers connected to each
generator. The auxiliaries can also be fed from 2 Nos., 22/0.415 kV, 1
MVA station auxiliary transformers, which are connected to 22 kV bus
connected to 22 kV local supply.
8.1.4.7

Power Plant Grounding

The power station will be provided with a complete earthing system.
All exposed conductive parts and equipment in the power house and
switch yard will be connected to the grounding system. The grounding
system will be designed to minimize the Safe and Touch potential
within acceptable limits.

8.1.4.5

Lighting
The power plant lighting , following normal practice, will comprise of
interior and exterior lights as appropriate. While the majority of the
luminaries will be AC powered, emergency lighting will be DC supplied
from station battery system. The emergency lighting will be provided
only for essential locations e.g. control room, exits etc.

8.1.4.6

Switch yard and Switching Scheme

The project is proposed to be interfaced with the 400 kV Switchyard at
Nalagarh /Hissar by LILO of 400 kV Jhakari-Rampur-Nalagarh-Hissar
D/C line at Luhri. The evacuation arrangement has been made after
taking in to consideration the constraints on right of way and the

VIII - 9

LUHRI HEP

quantum of power that has to be evacuated over transmission system

for Nathpa-Jhakari. The 400 kV transmission system associated with
Nathpa Jhakari(1500 MW) and Kol Dam( 800 MW) comprised of 1 No
400 kV D/C line

up to Abdullah pur and 1 no 400 kVD/C line to

Hissar via Nalagarh. The system was considered sufficient for

wheeling the power of Nathpa Jhakari and Kol dam to the Northern
grid. However during 14th meeting of Standing Committee on
transmission system planning of Northern grid of Northern Region,
held on 30.12.2002 at Jaipur, Rajsthan evacuation arrangement for Kol
Dam has now been revised and in the changed scenario , Kol dam
shall now utilize the network proposed for Parbati valley project and
shall no longer utilize the transmission system associated for Nathpa
Jhakari HEP. Under the circumstances, Luhri HEP can utilize th e
margin left after exit of Kol Dam HEP along with Rampur(400 MW) and
Baspa-II(

300

MW).

Any

additionality

determined

after

the

commissioning of Rampur and Luhri HEPs ( Baspa-II has already

been commissioned) can be shared by these three projects. Due to
space constraints , 400 kv gas insulated switchgear has been
proposed and shall be housed on a floor located just above the
transformers in the transformer cavern. Single breaker double bus bar
arrangement has been proposed after giving due consideration to its
reliability, stability, easy maintenance and accessibility. Th eGIS
switchyard has 3 nos generator transformer, one bus coupler bay and
four feeder bays.
8.1.6

Transmission of Power
It is proposed to evacuate the power generated at Luhri Project by
Looping in Looping out of 400 kV Jhakari-Hissar D/C line with

VIII - 10

LUHRI HEP

TRIPPLE SNOWBIRD conductor at Luhri. As per recommendations

made by PGCIL in their report on master plan for evacuation of power
from various projects located in Satluj basin, this line is proposed to
be LILOed at Rampur.
8.1.7

Establishment
The electrical works of the project are proposed to be completed with
in 5 years time. Accordingly, the provision of regular establishment
required for to do electrical works in this time frame has been made in
the estimate. The design procurement, inspection, erection and
commissioning of electrical works of the project shall be done
departmentally.
The provision of staff has been made as per the CEAs norms
intimated from time to time.

VIII - 11

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER-IX
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
9.1

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

This Project comprises a diversion dam on Satluj River as a run of the
river scheme downstream Rampur HEP between Luhri town and
Sunni, about 12 km down stream of Luhri. The Project consists of a
diversion dam, desilting chamber, Head Race Tunnel, Surge Shaft and
Power house 4 km upstream of Chaba Power House. The Head Race
Tunnel will be 15.5 km long with a diameter of 10.5 m. This falls in
Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh and its installed capacity is 465
MW

9.2

DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT

9.2.1

Physical Resource

9.2.1.1

Hydrology
River Satluj is a major river of Western Himalaya, originating from lake
Mansarover in Tibet at an altitude of 4570 m. After traversing westward
a distance of 320 km in Tibet it enters India near Shipkilla in district
Kinnaur. The Satluj flows between narrow cliffs and enters Shimla
district near village Chaura.

IX-1

LUHRI HEP

9.2.1.2

Geology
The rocks in the area are

mainly Quarzite, Schists, Dolomite,

Limestone, Shale, Slates, Gneisses and Granite. Occasional bands of

intrusive granite are also found. The quarzite produce sandy soil while
granite, schists, shales and gneiss produce loamy and sandy loam soil
after disintegaration.
9.2.1.3

Soil
Soil texture of the area, in general, is clayey loam rich in organic matter
with varying depth. The soil is acidic on higher elevation because of
lower rate of decomposition of organic matter. Soil drainage is
generally satisfactory except in few isolated patches where it is poor.

9.2.2

Ecological Resource

9.2.2.1

Forests
The composition of the forest vegetation and its evolution is influenced
by the character of the rocks/soil underlying. The forests in the tract
are of poor quality and large portion is barren. In the lower areas, the
forests are of dry scrub type and gradually gives way to the temperate
Broad leafed and coniferous forests above. The crop is generally
irregular and mature trees are very few and scattered. Admixture of
other species occurs in lower as well as upper areas.

IX-2

LUHRI HEP

9.2.2.2

Flora and Fauna

9.2.2.2.1 Flora
S.N.

Botanical Name

Common Name

Albizia lebbek

Siris

Bauhinia

Kachnar

Butea monosperma

Dhak

Cassia fistula

Amaltas

Dalbergia sissoo

Shisham

Ficus religiosa

Peepal

Grewia oppositifolia

Biul

Kydia calycina

Pula

Lannea coromandelica

Jhingan

10

Melia azadirachta

Drek

11

Pinus roxburghii

Chil

9.2.2.2.2 Shrubs and Herbs

The commonly found herbaceous and shrub species in the area are as
under:
S.N.

Botanical Name

Common Name

Adhatoda vasica

Basuti

Agave americana

Ram ban

Impatiens scabrida

Balsam

Berberis aristata

Kashmal

Carrisa spinarum

Karonda

Indigofera gerardiana

Kathi

Rosa macrophylla

Gulab

IX-3

LUHRI HEP

9,2.2.2.3 Fauna:
Important animals found in the area are
S.N.

Scientific Name

Common name

Lepus indicus

Common Indian Hare

Sciurus palmarus

Common squirrel

Macac malatta

Monkey

Presbytis entellus

Common langoor

Canis aureus

Jackal

Hepestes edwardsil

Common mangoose

Mos homourus

Hill mouse

9.2.2.2.4 Birds
Important Bird species found in the area are as under:
S.N.

Scientific Name

Common/English name

Alectoris gracea

Chakor

Lopure leucomelana

White crested Kaleej

Gallus ferrugiens

Red Jungle fowl

Pavo cristatus

Pea fowl

Columba rupestris

Hill pigeon

Columbia livia

Blue rock pegeon

Corvus splendens

House crow

Corvus macrophynchos

Jungli crow

IX-4

LUHRI HEP

9.3

BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS

9.3.1

Climate and temperature

The climate is tropical as found in the sub mountainous areas at the
base of the river to temperate at high altitudes. This tract has four
distinct seasons- Spring, summer, rainy and winter. The rains come
during the last week of June and lasts up to September. The summer
(May and June) is very hot.

9.3.1.1

Temperature, rainfall and snowfall data of Rampur

Maximum and Minimum temperature data of Rampur (1984-94) is as
under (degree celcius):

Year
1984
1985

1986
1987
1988
1989
1990

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max

16.94

17.23

26.86

26.5

36.71

33.81

32.88

33.1

30.58

29.87

22.86

19.08

Min

3.67

4.53

11.3

4.86

19.92

24.72

22.25

23.35

18.96

15.01

8.81

6.01

Max

16.01

21.94

27.48

28.96

34.18

35.51

33.23

30.67

28.11

26.96

22.83

18.74

Min

5.33

6.15

12.54

14.94

19.46

21.88

22.5

22.38

9.38

13.76

8.33

6.0

Max

18.13

18.56

21.78

27.53

30.46

33.11

30.35

30.78

31.29

27.43

23.66

17.75

Min

4.44

6.38

9.47

13.62

15.8

20.57

21.53

21.82

19.61

13.11

9.12

5.67

Max

19.01

20.19

23

28.92

27.28

34.86

N.A

33.7

33.38

29.81

26.22

21.84

Min

4.97

7.31

9.94

13.97

14.51

20.29

N.A

22.84

20.08

14.26

9.01

5.8

Max

19.01

22.14

22.24

31.53

35.22

35,44

31.05

30.41

30.81

29.62

24.85

18.93

Min

5.87

7.87

9.03

15.58

18.67

21.29

22.36

21.17

18.55

12.41

8.11

6.85

Max

16.84

19.32

23.56

30.01

33.18

33.31

32.19

31.39

31.97

29.48

23.48

17.75

Min

3.58

6.2

8.99

12.47

17,38

20.16

22.59

20.98

18.96

13.85

8.53

5.5

Max

20

17.46

20.08

28.24

31.97

34.66

30.53

31.72

30.68

28.56

25.51

19.58

Min

6.21

6.52

7.52

12.38

18.13

21.33

N.A

21.72

19.81

12.84

8.81

5.75

IX-5

LUHRI HEP

1991
1992
1993
1994

Max

19.26

10.04

23.4

27.07

33.1

34.18

35.34

31.39

31.68

29.73

23.74

19.26

Min

2.47

6.42

9.28

11.87

16.73

20.62

23.67

22.02

20.48

13.9

8.42

5.44

Max

17.25

18.96

21.39

28.94

32.11

35.11

31.61

30.98

30.75

28.24

23.77

0.66

Min

5.66

5.42

9.87

14.18

16.05

20.31

21.45

21.98

19.59

13.65

9.68

5.39

Max

15.82

20.77

21.39

29.4

34.46

33.85

34.64

28.01

31.63

24.03

22.68

18.45

Min

4.64

7.36

8.13

13.01

17.77

22.88

22.5

17.31

14.62

7.49

8.11

5.5

Max

18.27

18.86

27.74

26.35

32.65

35.96

32.29

31.16

30.88

28.96

25.2

1896

Min

5.5

5.21

9.36

11.87

16.81

21.7

22.24

21.89

18.27

13.18

8.46

5.89

Recording of temperature at Luhri has been started by DFO Anni from

May 2003. The temperature recorded at Luhri is as under:
Month

Maximum

Minimum

May 2003

40.2

17.1

June 2003

44.5

19.0

July 2003

38.6

22.7

August 2003

36.6

22.9

40.7

20.5

September

(up

to

23.9.03)
9.3.1.2

Rainfall data:
The annual rainfall data for 1984-1994 is as under:
Year

Rainfall-mm

1984

526.69

1985

734.1

1986

713.88

1987

613.02

IX-6

LUHRI HEP

9.3.2

1988

1054.02

1989

648.5

1990

95.5

1991

912.2

1992

890.1

1993

911.6

1994

953.1

Water quality of Satluj at downstream Rampur:

The water quality for the area of the project is not available readily.
The nearest point where sampling has been done by H.P. Pollution
Control Board is downstream Rampur which is as follows:
Month & year

9.3.3

pH

DO (mg/l)

BOD (mg/l)

TC (MPN)

June.2002

8.13

8.5

0.1

166

September.2002

8.12

9.3

0.1

580

December.2003

7.93

11.3

0.2

180

March.2003

8.3

9.8

0.2

738

Air, Water, Soil and Sound data will be collected at the time of
doing detailed EIA.
Since this is pre feasibility report, this has not been done at this stage.

IX-7

LUHRI HEP

9.4

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

9.4.1

Impact Identification
Environmental

impacts

both

direct

and

indirect

on

various

environmental attributes due to Luhri Hydropower project in the

surrounding environment, during construction & operational Phase are
discussed.
9.4.1.1

Impact identification during construction phase

The impacts due to the construction of Luhri HEP and power house
installation commence from the exploration activities, construction of
barrage, tunnels and approach roads, etc., and may continue up to
generation of hydel power, with the nature and extent of impacts
varying throughout the stage of project development.
Activities like site preparation, approach roads, excavation, drilling,
blasting,

foundations,

tunneling,

deployment

of

machinery,

transportation, dumping are taken up during construction phase. The

likely impacts on the environment due to these activities are listed in
table.
Tunneling and foundation works will involve land excavation, filling and
concrete works affecting environment by noise and dust pollution.
Deployment of machinery, approach roads construction and erection
work will also result in dust, noise pollution and vehicular traffic.
Material handling and transportation may significantly increase noise
pollution. Tunnelling will also cause vibrations.

IX-8

LUHRI HEP

The labour for various activities during the construction phase shall be
engaged. Some essential services are also required to be provided to
them. This will have an impact on drinking water supply and sanitary
facilities.
Economy of the nearby area will be improved due to increased job
opportunities with corresponding increase in income. Other associated
business activities like transport, hotels, consumer goods etc., will also
be benefited.
The major environmental parameters likely to be effected during
construction phase are noise, dust pollution and sanitation. Water
spraying during high dust will minimise the dust level to some extent. A
proper temporary housing with water supply and sanitation for workers
should be planned.
Construction

Activity

Potential Environmental Impact

Phase
Preparatory

Temporary facilities, such

Dust emission and change in

works

as, sheds approach

traffic intensity.

roads, sanitary facilities.

Earth work comprising of

Soil erosion, run off, increase in

excavation and trenches.

traffic, Dust emission

Foundation work, piling

Dust, visual and noise pollution

and construction of
check dams.

IX-9

LUHRI HEP

Construction of

Dust and noise pollution

permanent structures like

roads, colony etc
Mechanical erection and

Dust, noise and visual impact.

utility systems.
Construction of

Excavation

Dust, soil erosion, wastewater

approach roads,
tunneling works

generation and noise

Drilling and blasting

Dust, noise, vibration and

and construction

9.4.1.2

health hazards

of under ground

Dumping

Dust, noise and visual

Power Station

Transportation

Dust, noise and visual

Impact identification during operational phase

There would be little environmental and ecological changes during the
operational phase. The main activities that may cause environmental
impact on the surrounding environment during project completion and
after during operation are:
i. Transportation of solid waste material (muck)
ii. Dumping of solid waste material
iii. Removal of temporary facilities, cleaning etc.

Operation Phase

Activity

Release of water at tail Down

race

stream

Potential Environmental Impact

flow Down stream erosion of River

variation
Down

bank and bottom

stream

flow Impairment of water quality

variation
Accumulation

of

back

Silting

water

in

the

barrage
Dumping of solid waste

IX-10

Ecological hazard

area

behind

LUHRI HEP

9.4.2

Prediction of Impacts
The impact during the construction of Luhri HEP on environment (air,
water, noise, land etc. are predicted in this section. The construction
activity may cause some adverse impacts on the surrounding
environment unless proper environmental management plan is
adopted.

9.4.2.1

Impact on air environment.

Considerable amount of air pollution will be caused during different
stages of construction of tunnels, barrage, roads and other operations
such as excavation, drilling, blasting, loading and transportation of
material. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) is the main pollutant
during construction. Most of the dust arises from drilling, blasting,
excavation, crushing and transportation operations. Large quantities of
dust become wind borne and are carried away from overburden
dumps. The fugitive dust released during the construction activities
may cause immediate effect on the construction workers who are
directly exposed to the fugitive dust. Vegetation will also be adversely
affected as deposition of dust on the leaves will choke the
photosynthesis activity, which, in turn, will have adverse effect on the
health of the plants. However, the dust does not travel to longer
distance because the project site is located in between hills and Vshaped valleys.

IX-11

LUHRI HEP

9.4.2.2

Impact on noise environment

The noise will be generated at the time of construction of barrage,
powerhouse, tunnel boring machine operations, pumps, drilling
machines, dumpers, etc. Continuous exposure of workers to high level
of noise may result in annoyance, fatigue, and may cause temporary
shift of threshold limit of hearing and even permanent loss of hearing.
During operational phase, noise level will be increased due trouncing
machinery and vehicular movement in the area. However, these
impacts are only localised.

9.4.2.3

Impact on water environment.

During the construction of dam, tunnel, and power house surface water
(river water) may get polluted due to the generation of large quantities
of suspended particulate matter at the time of transportation of muck
and waste water (sewage) coming from temporary arrangements like
offices, labour camp sheds, etc.,

9.4.2.4

Impacts on Flora and Fauna

The various plant and animal species available in the region have
already been described. There are no endangered species in the
region. There no Wild Life Sanctuary or National Park in the area.
Every Plant species and wild life species whether mammal, bird,
reptile, aquatic or amphibian plays an important role in the
maintenance of balance of nature and is useful to mankind in many
ways. Every individual animal, bird or insect has been endowed with

IX-12

LUHRI HEP

certain specific protective measures so that it can protect itself and

reproduce, thus ensuring the existence of the species. However, the
project activities will not have any significant effect on the Forest and
Wild Life except for removal of bare minimum number of trees.
However, Compensatory afforestation will be done as per the general
stipulations given by the Govt of India MoEF at the time of sanction of
diversion of Forestland
9.5

E. R & R ASPECTS
Since the Project is a run-of-the-river type and there is no storage,
therefore, there is no submergence. Hence, no dwellings, houses or
hamlets will be submerged.

So, there is no displacement and

resettlement is involved.
9.6

ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT

PLAN

(MITIGATION

MEASURES)
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) aims at the preservation of
ecological system by considering certain mitigating measures at the
proposed site. The mitigation measures are used to minimize or
prevent adverse impacts on environment due to the proposed
development activity . Some of the major criteria governing the
environmental measures will be adopted, and the same is described in
the following paragraphs.

IX-13

LUHRI HEP

9.6.1

Environmental Management
The EMP is required to ensure sustainable development in the study
area of 10 Km radius of the proposed Luhri HEP site. Government
regulating agencies like Pollution Control Board working in the region
and more importantly the people living in the area need to extend their
co-operation and contribution in this direction.
It has been evaluated that the study area shall not be affected
adversely with the proposed activity and likely to get new economical
fillip due to hydel power generation, not only for the study area but also
for the region as a whole.
The majority of the environmental impact pertains to the construction
phase. It is planned to take corrective measures to ensure that these
effects are kept to bare minimum. The EMP will therefore, be initiated
during planning stage itself.
Catchment Area Treatment Plan, which will be prepared at a later
stage will form part of the Environmental Management Plan

9.6.1.1

Environmental management at construction stage

9.6.1.1.1 Site preparation

Dust emission (fugitive) and solid waste will be generated during initial
site preparation activity and there will be slight increase in the noise
levels around the site. The environmental impacts during the clearing

IX-14

LUHRI HEP

or clearing for site preparation will be temporary, localised and

negligible. Water sprays at appropriate location will be provided for
dust suppression, hence reducing the impacts. Solid waste will be
disposed off along with the muck at the designated sites.
9.6.1.1.2 Construction
Air environment
As discussed earlier, construction of Luhri HEP and powerhouse
activities will generate large quantities of dust during drilling, blasting,
loading and transportation operations. The following measures are
required be taken to mitigate the fugitive dust from different operations.
To avoid the dust generation from the drilling operations, wetdrillingmethods will be adopted.
Ceasing dust -generating activities during high winds
Covering of vehicles carrying solid waste (muck).
Watering of haul roads and other roads at regular intervals
Plantation near muck disposal places and dumping yards.
Noise environment
The major noise-generating sources from the proposed activity are
working machinery, blasting and movement of vehicles. The following
control measures are to be undertaken to bring down the noise levels.
Traffic (vehicular movement) to be managed to produce a smooth flow
instead of a noisier stop -and start flow.

IX-15

LUHRI HEP

Ensuring timely preventive maintenance of the equipment involved.

Since a well maintained equipment is generally quieter than poorly
maintained equipment.
Ensuring usage of personal protective devices i.e., earmuffs and
earplugs by workers, working in high noise activity centers.
Plantation in the vicinity of the construction area will further reduce the
noise levels.
Water environment
During construction phase the wastewater (sewage) coming from
temporary arrangements like offices, labour camp sheds, canteens
etc., and impact due to soil erosion during monsoon period may cause
surface water pollution.
Some of the control measures adopted for controlling water pollution
are as follows:

Establishing septic tanks followed by soak pits to treat the domestic

waste water

generated from the offices, canteens , labour camp

sheds.

Construction of Check dams /rock fill dams, wherever necessary to

reduce siltation and suspended solids.
Green belt development (Compensatory Afforestation)
Afforestation is proposed to be done in open areas with moderate
slope. This has to be supplemented with engineering/vegetative works

IX-16

LUHRI HEP

like gully plugging and check dams etc where ever required. The
planting area should be closed to grazing, lopping quarrying etc. For
proper protection, it is necessary that the area is fenced and the fence
is maintained properly. Plants need to be protected till they attain a
height, which is above grazing level.
Disposal of muck
By constructing a 15.5 km long tunnel of 10.5 m dia, the quantity of
muck to be generated is estimated to be 25 lac M3. Afer applying the
swelling factor, the volume to be disposed off will be about 35-40 lac
M3 . It is expected that 25-25 % of this will be used for making
aggregates. The rest will require to be disposed off in a planned
manner.
This is the most important aspect to be dealt with. It is proposed that at
different locations dumping sites will be identified at suitable places.
Retaining walls will be constructed. After the filling is done,
rehabilitation of this site will be done to ensure that neither it flows in to
the water stream nor it poses any other environmental threat.
Plantation, where ever, possible, will also be done on these sites so
that these get stabilised over a period of time

IX-17

LUHRI HEP

CHAPTER - X
INFRASTRUCTURE
10.1

GENERAL
The proposed Luhri Hydroelectric Project on Satluj River in Himachal
Pradesh is located about 80 km from Shimla. The nearest broad
gauge railway station for the proposed project is Kalka, which is about
170 km from the project site.
The requirement of minimum infrastructure facilities are:i) Access roads in the project area to the work sites, colonies,
quarries etc.
ii) Cross-drainage works, adits and a bridge across Satluj near the
Barrage site.
iii) Construction facilities such as stores, workshop, aggregate
processing plant etc.
iv) Residential

Buildings

for

the

project

staff

including

their

electrification, water supply, sanitation and drainage works etc.

v) Construction Power
vi) Tele-communications.
All sites of important components of the projects i.e. dam intake
structure, intake tunnel, sedimentation chamber, link tunnels, head
race tunnel, under ground surge shaft top open to sky, pressure shaft,
butterfly valve chamber, power house, tail race tunnel and its
appurtenants will be linked with the approach roads to existing national

X-1

LUHRI HEP

high way on the right bank of the river Satluj, which will be
widened/improved suitably to cope up with the requirement of the
project. The headrace tunnel will be approached by constructing two
adits i.e. inlet adit and outlet adit. The surge shaft will also be
approachable through pressure shaft top access tunnels.
The following roads will be constructed or realigned/ widened.
i)

Approach

road to surge shaft top and adit to surge

shaft bottom -5Km

ii)

Approach road to outlet adit of tunnel & other adits-1.5 Km.

iii)

Widening / realignment of Suni-Luhri road -31 Km

Permanent approach tunnel 8.5 m D-shaped to powerhouse has been

proposed on the right bank of Satluj for which
constructed on Satluj river

Bridge has to be

from road on left bank.

In addition to

above, bus duct tunnels from powerhouse to transformer hall have

been proposed. Approach adit of 7.50m D-shaped will be constructed
for

butterfly

valve chamber. Approach roads 7/10m wide and

approximately 8km long will

connect the residential and non-

residential colony, offices and project area from the national high way.
Approach road for the centre of 7.5 m D-shaped B/V chamber have
also been proposed.
10.2

IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING ROAD

The existing road on the left bank of River Satluj will be suitably
widened/improved to 7/10m wide specifications in about 20km length
to serve as approach road to the Project site for construction.

In

addition to above, road shall be realigned at some reaches where blind

curves exist.

X-2

LUHRI HEP

10.3

CONSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY BRIDGE OVER RIVER SATLUJ

A 70R bridge for crossing over to right bank of river Satluj will be
constructed near Dam site. A provision of Rs.175.00 lacs has been
made for the construction of this bridge.

10.4

BUILDINGS
The availability of facilities viz., schools and college education,
hospitals, market and recreation at Karcham, Bhabanagar and
Reckong Peo, shall enable the staff posted on the project in the
beginning to speed up the construction of project roads, buildings and
also enable to start the main civil works of the project in the 1st year
itself.
Suitable colony sites for construction of residential and non-residential
buildings have been planned at near village Morang and Akpa. The
main residential and non-residential colony will be at Jangi. The
building will be permanent and temporary depending upon the use to
which they are likely to be put during and after construction.

provision of Rs. 2500 lacs has been made for K-Buildings.

The permanent colony at Jangi shall have well equipped medical
centre as also a recreation centre, telephone exchange etc.
colony shall have following facilities,
i)

Potable water supply arrangements

ii)

Sanitation and sewerage disposal arrangements

iii)

Drainage arrangements

iv)

Electrical Supply

X-3

This

LUHRI HEP

v)
10.5

Fencing and security.

TELE-COMMUNICATION
Telecommunication link for the power house of Jangi-Thopan project
will be provided by extending the existing telephone network of Post
and Telegraph Department through the nearest P&T exchange.
An internal automatic, telephone exchange

(EPABX)

with 350

lines
capacity for the project has been provided. All-important sites of work,
offices and residences of senior officers shall be connected by
telephone.
The powerhouse and permanent colony at Jangi, shall also be
provided with VHF link to keep contact

with other work stations. The

Powerhouse shall ultimately be connected by carrier communication

system.
10.6

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
The equipment required for construction works is indicated under
heading construction programme and schedule.

The construction

power shall be made available by the HPSEB at the powerhouse and

other sites. The power distribution lines from these sites shall be laid
accordingly. The contractors engaged on the construction of various
project components shall be supplied power at one point where it shall
be metered.

The contractors themselves shall install the power

distribution lines for carrying power to various places of work.

X-4

LUHRI HEP

While a central workshop has been proposed at Suni, small field

repair workshops shall be located at dam site/ Power house sites.
The arrangement for storage and transport of explosives required for
the drilling and blasting operations shall be made by the contractor
themselves. They shall follow all safety codes and regulations
prescribed by the central and state government in this respect.
Safety is an essential job requirement for a set up. Adequate
arrangement

for lighting, security and safety shall be made in the

project area. Adequate preventive measures against accident shall be

taken as prescribed in Indian Standard code for excavation work is
3764-1986.

X-5

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

CHAPTER-XII
COST ESTIMATES
12.1

GENERAL
The estimates of cost have been prepared to arrive at the total capital
cost of the project. The estimates are based on the prices prevailing in
January 2004, for materials, equipments, labour, etc. Interest during
construction period and financing charges

have been worked out

separately.
The estimates of cost have been prepared in two parts - Part - I covers
the Civil works of the project, while Part - II covers Electrical works. The
cost of transmission has been worked out separately.
12.2

COST OF CIVIL WORKS

The detailed estimates of cost of civil works are based on the conceptual
layout planning and preliminary design of different components of works
after review of site conditions, analysis and studies etc. General
arrangement and layout details of various structures as well as their
features are shown in drawings .
The rates for major items of civil works has been taken as per guidelines
circulated by CEA vide letter no 7/9/HP &I-2003/1163-1172 dated 24th
October 2004.except for underground excavation. Rates for minor item of
works and lump sum provisions for some works have been made on the
basis of experience of similar works on other projects which have been
recently completed or are under construction.

XII - 1

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

The rates for hydraulic gates, hoists, and cranes etc. are based on the
prevalent market rates for such works.
A provision of 5% of the cost has been made to cover contingencies and
work charged staff in the estimates of different components of civil works.
The contingencies have not been taken on items for which L.S. amount
has been provided.
12.2.1

Broad sub-head-wise provisions for civil works

The provisions under various sub-heads are based as per guide lines for
preparation of pre feasibility reports of hydroelectric projects issued by
Government of India/CEA in October 2003. Broad provisions made under
various sub-heads of civil works are briefly described below :
A - Preliminary
Under this head provision has been made for topographical surveys,
geological and geophysical investigations including drilling and drifting,
field and laboratory tests on rocks, construction material investigations
and testing, collection of hydrological and meteorological data, hydraulic
model studies for dam and intake etc., environmental and ecological
studies. Provision has been made for consultant's fees for preparation of
the project report and other related reports. The total provision under this
sub-head is Rs. 2784 lac which is within 2% of the I-Works as per
guidelines.
B - Land
This sub-head covers the provision for acquisition/purchase of land for
permanent works, approach roads, camp sites, workshops, stores, offices
and permanent colony for the maintenance staff etc. The provision has
XII - 2

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

also been made for compensation of houses and trees etc. coming in the
reservoir submergence.
The total provision under this sub-head is Rs. 4201 lac.
C Works
This covers the cost of river diversion works and diversion dam including
cost of hydraulic gates and hoists and upstream and downstream
protection works.
The total provision under this sub-head is as below:

i)

River Diversion Works

- Diversion Tunnel

Rs.

- Coffer Dams

5591

Lac

505

Lac
Lac

ii)

Diversion dam

Total

Rs.

14834

Rs.

20930

Lac

J - Power plant civil works

Under this sub-head provision has been made for the following works:
i)

Intake, sedimentation chambers

Rs.

14433

Lac

and flushing conduits

ii)

Head race tunnel

Rs.

35152

Lac

iii)

Surge shaft

Rs.

5078

Lac

XII - 3

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

iv)

Pressure shafts and penstocks

Rs.

2806

Lac

v)

Power house complex

Rs.

5165

Lac

vi)

Hydro-mechanical works

Rs.

10846

Lac

Rs.

94410

Lac

Total

K - Buildings
Provision has been made under this sub-head for permanent and
temporary residential buildings for various categories of staff, nonresidential buildings for offices, workshops, stores, rest houses and field
hostels and other service buildings such as hospital, school, police station
and utility services etc(excluding that of contractors). Provisions for land
development, lawns and gardens, fencing, internal water supply,
sanitation and electrical fittings have been made as per norms for various
type of buildings as per norms.
The total provision under this sub-head is Rs.4001 lac, which is 3.51% of
the I-Works (Civil and Electrical works). This is well within permissible
limit.
M - Plantation
A lump sum provision of Rs. 65 lac has been made under this sub-head
for plantation, maintenance and protection of trees for five years near the
Barrage and reservoir area, colony and camp sites etc and power house
site.
O - Miscellaneous
XII - 4

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

Under this sub-head provision has been made for the following items :
i) Capital cost of electrification, water supply, sewage disposal and
drainage.
ii) Fire fighting equipment, telephone, telegraph, wireless and other
communication facilities.
iii) Recreation facilities and beautification of project area.
iv) Maintenance services for electrification, water supply etc. and other
services including security arrangement and fire fighting arrangement.
v) Running of inspection vehicles, transport of staff, school buses and
ambulances.
vi) Other items such as visit of dignitaries, technical record of works,
power supply, compensation to workmen, writing of completion report
and history of project etc.
vii) Construction power arrangements for construction of civil works and
for camp sites and workshop etc. during the construction period.
The total provision under this sub-head is Rs. 3559 lac which is within
4% of the I-Works (Civil and Electrical works) as per guide lines.
P - Maintenance
The provision has been made under this sub-head for maintenance of
buildings and roads, and main civil works during the construction period.
The total provision is Rs. 938 lacs which is about 1% of I-Works less APreliminary, B-Land and Q-Special T & P.
Q - Special Tools and Plant
Provision has been made under this sub-head for general purposes and
inspection vehicles such as cars, jeeps, buses, ambulances etc. Provision
XII - 5

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

for major construction equipment for civil works has not been made under
this head, as the construction of civil works will be carried out through
contractors and construction equipment's are supposed to be procured by
them. This is as per recent guidelines of CWC in respect of private sector
power projects.
The total provision under this subhead is Rs. 471 Lac.
R - Communications
Provision has been made under this sub-head for construction of roads
and bridges including approach roads. Provision has also been made for
remodelling and strengthening of main highway and bridges to make
them suitable for transport of heavy equipment for power station. The
total provision under this subhead is Rs. 471 Lac.
X - Environment and Ecology
Provision under this sub-head has been made for compensatory
afforestation, measures for maintaining environment and ecological
balance of the area, public health measures, establishment of fuel depots
etc. Provision has also been made for treatment of catchment area for
prevention of soil erosion etc.
The total provision under this sub-head is Rs. 3258 lac.

Losses on Stock
Provision under this sub-head has been made at 0.25% of I-work less A preliminary, B - land and Q - special T & P.
Establishment
XII - 6

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

Provision has been made @ 8% of I-Works less B-land. This provision

also includes establishment for carrying out detailed designs, site
supervision, quality control and cost control cell.
Tools and Plants
Provision @ 1% of I-Works has been made to cover survey instruments,
camp equipment, office furniture, office equipment etc.
Receipts and recoveries on capital account
Under this head estimated recoveries by way of transfer of temporary
buildings (@ 15%), resale of special T & P (@ 20%) and other
miscellaneous recoveries have been provided.
Audit and Accounts
It has been taken as 1% of the cost of I-Works.
12.3

COST OF ELECTROMECHANICAL WORKS

Cost of generating plant and equipment is based on the rates prevailing
during the current year i.e. 2003-04.
A provision of 5% for initial spares has been made along with the cost of
equipment. Prices of major auxiliary equipment and services are based
on current budgetary prices while that of some minor items are based on
prices for similar equipment procured in the past for similar projects.
Provisions for duty, insurance and transport to site are based on
prevailing rates. Erection and commissioning charges have been taken as
10% of the cost of equipment based on the experience gained on similar
installations in the country.
XII - 7

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

Provisions of other items like Establishment, Audit and Account charges,

etc. have been made as per prevailing norms of Central Electricity
Authority (CEA).
12.4

T-TRANSMISSION
It is proposed to evacuate the power generated at Luhri Project by
Looping in Looping out of 400 kV Jhakari-Hissar D/C line with
TRIPPLE SNOWBIRD conductor at Luhri. As per recommendations
made by PGCIL in their report on master plan for evacuation of power
from various projects located in Satluj basin, this line is proposed to
be LILOed at Rampur.
Provision for construction of a 10 km long transmission line has been
made. Provision for preliminary works, detailed survey, compensation for
land etc. has been made as given in annexure-12.3.

12.5

ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROJECT

Total cost of the Project at January 2004 price level works out as under :

Sr No

Description

Amount
( Rs Crore)

1.

Civil Works

1235.70

2.

E-M Works

461.73

( Generating plant and equipment)

3.

Transmission works

XII - 8

10.86

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

Total

1708.29

The abstract of costs of civil of works is given in Annex. 12.1, while details
of costs under various sub-heads of civil works are given in Annexures
12.1-12.12 of the report.
The abstract of cost for Electrical Works - (generating plant and
equipment) are given in Annexure 12.2
The abstract of cost for transmission works are as given in Annexure12.3.

XII - 9

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

CHAPTER-XIII
ECONOMIC EVALUATION
13.1

GENERAL
Luhri hydroelectric project has been contemplated as a run of river
type development on Satluj River in Shimla district of Himachal
Pradesh. The diversion dam of the project is located near village
Nathan and the powerhouse is located near village Chaba about 80 km
from Shimla. The Project envisages utilization of River Satluj water
through a gross head of 128 m for generation of 465 MW of Power.
This project is estimated to cost Rs. 1708.29 crores. Abstract of cost
estimate has been given as per Annexure-12.1 of the PFR. Phasing of
expenditure for capital required on this project is given as per
Annexure-13.1. For preparing financial forecast of this project, interest
during construction has been considered as per Annexure-13.2, and
cost escalation has not been taken into consideration. Depreciation on
Civil and Electrical works has been worked out as per Annexure-13.3
as CWC/CEA guidelines. Sale tariff of energy generated at power
house bus bars and at purchase centre have been worked out as
Rs.1.89 and Rs.1.93 per unit respectively during 90% dependable year
as per Annexure 13.4 and Annexure-13.5.
For economic evaluation of the project, financial parameters has been
taken

as

per

guidelines

issued

by

CEA

vide

letter

no

7/9/HP&I/2003/1118-23 dated 21st October 2003.

13.2

CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT

13.2.1

Abstract of Capital Cost

Abstract of the capital cost of the project, to the price level of January2004 is as under.
XIII -1

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------S.No.

Description

Amount
(Rs. In Crores)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.

Unit-I Civil works

2.

P-Production

1235.70
461.73

(Electrical Works)

3.

Total Generation

1697.43

Transmission

10.86

Grand Total Cost of the Project

1708.29

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13.2.2

Economic Justification
It is proposed to evacuate the power generated at Luhri Project
by Looping in Looping out of 400 kV Jhakari-Hissar D/C line with
TRIPPLE

SNOWBIRD

conductor

at

Luhri.

As

per

recommendations made by PGCIL in their report on master plan

for evacuation of power from various projects

located in Satluj

basin, this line is proposed to be LILOed at Rampur.

As laid down in CEA guidelines, economic justification of a hydel
project is to be done by comparing the cost of alternative sources of
energy in that region. Cost of energy generated from this project in
a 90 % dependable year works out as Rs1.89 /unit at power house
bus bar and

Rs1.93 /unit at purchase centre respectively. This

project will provide power at cheaper rates in comparison to thermal

power rate, which at present is more than Rs 5 /unit. Additionally
this project will provide pollution free power for years together at

XIII -2

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

much cheaper rates considering the escalation in coal prices for

thermal power.
13.2.3

Capital structure
Capital structure for financing the cost of project has been assumed as
70% debt from PFC and 30% equity from the Board.

13.2.4

Revenue Anticipation
Power tariff for supply of power at power house bus bars has been
assumed as Rs.2.75 per unit, Revenue assessed accordingly for 90%
dependable years is Rs.581.14 crore.

13.2.5

Repayment Period
Normally, the leading

financial institutions in India prescribe a

repayment period of 15 years including 3 to 4 years moratorium period.

A period of 12 years has therefore been taken into account in fixation
of tariff.
13.2.6

Operation and Maintenance Charges

As per the guide lines of Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, the
Operation and Maintenance charges inclusive of insurance have been
taken as 1.5 % of the capital cost. Escalation @ 6% per annum has
been assumed to arrive at the O&M charges in the subsequent years.

13.3

COST PER MW
The estimated cost of the project at January, 2004 price level is
Rs.1708.29

crore for an installed capacity of 465 MW. This gives a

capital cost of Rs.349 lac per MW of installed capacity including cost of

XIII -3

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

transmission. At present price level, the cost of medium hydroelectric

project at Rs. 5 crore per MW is considered to be reasonable. From
this criterion, the cost per MW for Luhri Hydel Project is reasonable
making the project attractive for exploitation.
13.4

INTEREST DURING CONSTRUCTION

The detail of cash flow during the construction period and the
calculation of interest during construction including interest on IDC has
been shown in Annexure-2 andAnnexure-3. It is seen that IDC @
10.0% on loan from PFC works out to Rs.330.24 crore at power house
bus bar and Rs 331.69 crore at purchase centre (including
transmission) respectively.

13.5

ENERGY AVAILABLE FOR SALE

As per power studies of the project, the total energy generation in 90%
dependable year has been arrived at 2037.15 MU. As per Govt. of
India guide lines. Auxilliary consumption @ 0.7% of energy generated
has been taken as per the norms of operation as per Gazette of India
(CERC) dated 26th March 2001. Transformation losses ( from
generation voltage to transmission voltage) of 0.5 % of energy
generated has been taken. Energy generation in a 90 % dependable
year is 1825.13 MU and after allowing for auxiliary consumption and
transformation losses and 12 % free power as royalty to HP Govt, the
net energy for sale is worked out as 1586.90 MU.

13.7

RATE OF DEPRECIATION
As per the revised guide lines circulated by Govt. of India, Ministry of
Power, vide notification dated August 1995, the weighted rate of
depreciation has been worked out on the basis of straight line formula.

XIII -4

LUHRI HEP(465MW)

The rate of depreciation works out to 3.54% of the equity cost as per
Annexure-4.
13.8

CALCULATION OF TARIFF
Calculation of tariff for primary energy during 35 years of operation for
90% dependable year has been shown in Annexure 13.4&13.5. At
power house bus bar, it will be seen that sale rate of power shall be
Rs.2.41 per unit during Ist year of operation and Rs.1.61 per unit
during 35th year. The average rate for first ten year works out to
Rs.2.61 per unit whereas same for entire period of 35 years, works out
to Rs.1.89 per unit.
At purchase centre, it will be seen that sale rate of power shall be Rs.
2.43 per unit during Ist year of operation and Rs 1.62 per unit during
35th year. The average rate for first ten year works out to Rs. 2.64 per
unit whereas same for entire period of 35 years, works out to Rs.1.93
per unit.

XIII -5