Tehri Dam, Embankment dam in Tehri Garhwal, India

The Tehri Dam is an embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River in Tehri Garhwal district, India. The structure consists of compacted earth and rock layers that form a deep reservoir and house an underground power station.

Planning for the project began in the 1960s, but construction started in 1978 with Soviet support. After several delays and technical adjustments, the facility officially entered service in 2006.

Construction reshaped the Bhagirathi valley landscape and created a large reservoir that now serves as a water source for nearby communities. Local residents relocated from submerged villages and built new settlements on higher ground.

The dam lies near New Tehri in Tehri Garhwal district, reached by road from Rishikesh through the Himalayan foothills. Access to the dam and power complex is restricted and usually needs permission from THDC India Ltd. or the district authorities. The reservoir's surface area is 52 km2, so the shoreline roads change with water levels.

The pumped storage system uses two separate reservoirs to generate additional energy when needed. The facility can respond to changing electricity demand within minutes and help stabilize the regional grid.