Situated on the mighty Chenab River in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Baglihar Dam stands as an impressive feat of modern engineering against a backdrop of stunning Himalayan landscapes. This 144-meter-high concrete gravity dam represents one of the region's most significant hydroelectric projects, providing crucial power generation capacity to the northern Indian subcontinent.
Completed in two stages (2008 and 2015), the dam creates a reservoir spanning approximately 8 kilometers, nestled dramatically between steep mountain gorges. The project harnesses the powerful flow of the Chenab, generating 900 MW of clean hydroelectric power through its turbines, significantly bolstering the region's electricity infrastructure.
Beyond its power generation capabilities, Baglihar has become an unexpected tourist attraction, drawing visitors who marvel at both its technical grandeur and the breathtaking natural scenery surrounding it. The dam's spillways, especially during monsoon season when excess water is released, create a spectacular cascading effect worth witnessing.
Despite its benefits, the dam's construction was not without controversy, requiring careful diplomatic negotiations between India and Pakistan regarding water rights along the shared river system.
Today, the Baglihar Dam stands as a testament to human ingenuity, providing essential energy resources while harmonizing with the dramatic mountain terrain of Anantnag's remarkable landscape.