Tuirial dam is an earthfill and gravity dam on the River Sonai near Kolasib in the state of Mizoram in India. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power production. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the 60 MW Tuirial Hydro Electric Project (THEP) project costing Rs 913 crore in 2010.[1] The Project was Inaugurated by Narendra Modi (using a remote control from AR Ground) on 16 December 2017.[2]

Turial Dam
Tuirial dam
Location of Turial Dam in India
Country	India
Location	Tuirial
Coordinates	24°21′23.41″N 92°53′09.69″E
Construction began	1998
Opening date	2017
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Embankment, earth-fill
Impounds	Tuirial River also known as River Sonai
Height	74 m (243 ft)
Length	700 m (2,297 ft)
Reservoir
Catchment area	1860 km
Power Station
Commission date	2016-2017 (est.)
Turbines	2 x 30 MW Francis-type
Installed capacity	60 MW

Technical Features

Tuirial Hydel Project is the 2nd largest earthen dam and the largest in India. The height of the dam is 75 Metres. The dam has 3 split gates, 2 Turbine and 2 tunnel. Tuirial Hydel Dam has two 30MW Francis Turbine.[3] The dam is estimated to produce 250 million units of electrical energy every year.[4]

History

Construction of 60 MW hydroelectric power station began in 1998 by NEEPCO but was halted in 2004 by the Tuirial Crop Compensation Claimant Association of which the Mizo National Front then Chief Minister Pu Zoramthanga's relatives figured among nine people named in Central Bureau of Investigation charge sheet.[5] When Pu Lalthanhawla, who had started the project came back in power, he took initiatives to restart the project. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the 60 MW Tuirial Hydro Electric Project (THEP) project costing Rs 913 crore in 2010.[6]

References