Uttarakhand Geothermal Energy Exploration and Tourism Funding
Source:indianmasterminds ↗
Why It Matters
The article highlights key locations (like Tapovan and Golju Temple) and state-specific energy and infrastructure initiatives that are frequently tested in the UKPSC PCS Prelims under the state's geography, culture, and current affairs sections.
Summary
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved ₹93 crore for a wide range of development projects aimed at boosting the state's infrastructure and economy. The funds will be directed toward developing tourism infrastructure near the Golju Temple in Almora, conducting geothermal energy exploration in the Tapovan area of Chamoli, and supporting rooftop solar energy through the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Additional allocations cover the construction of helipads in Uttarkashi and Tehri, road improvements, and new housing facilities for police personnel in Haridwar.
Key Points
- Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami approved ₹93 crore for diverse development initiatives encompassing tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
- A major chunk of ₹56.29 crore has been allocated for enhancing tourism infrastructure near the Golju Temple in Almora district.
- UJVN Limited has been authorized to conduct a survey to explore geothermal energy potential in the Tapovan area of Chamoli district.
- ₹20 crore was sanctioned as the state government's subsidy share for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana to promote rooftop solar installations.
- The Lwani-Suya Motor Road in Chamoli has been renamed to Shaheed Swatantra Sangram Senani Late Kheemji Motor Road to honor the freedom fighter.
Important Terms
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
A flagship Central scheme launched in 2024 to install residential rooftop solar panels for 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month alongside financial subsidies.
UPSC context
Relevant for GS Papers 2 and 3, testing knowledge of government schemes, renewable energy transition, and climate change mitigation.
Tapovan Geothermal Field
A geothermal energy hotspot located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is currently being explored for commercial power generation potential to boost the state's clean energy portfolio.
UPSC context
Important for GS Papers 1 and 3 (Geography and Energy Resources), highlighting alternative renewable energy sources and regional geography.
Golju Temple
A prominent temple in Almora, Uttarakhand, dedicated to Golu Devta, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Known as the God of Justice, it is a major site for regional religious tourism.
UPSC context
Fits into GS Paper 1 (Art and Culture), testing knowledge of regional deities, cultural practices, and local heritage tourism.
UJVN Limited
Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited is a wholly-owned state corporation responsible for managing existing hydropower stations and developing new clean energy projects, including recent geothermal initiatives.
UPSC context
Relevant for GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure and Energy), illustrating the role of state-owned enterprises in developing regional renewable energy.
Prelims Trap
"The Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission connects the Char Dham shrines in the Himalayas."
Manaskhand refers specifically to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand (Almora, Nainital), whereas the Char Dham shrines are located in the Garhwal region (historically known as Kedarkhand).
Static Concepts Connected
What are the major geothermal provinces and active exploration sites in India?
- Puga Valley: Located in Ladakh, it shows the highest geothermal potential in India, situated near the Indus-Tsangpo suture zone.
- Manikaran: Situated in Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley, known for hot springs used experimentally for geothermal power.
- Tapovan: Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand within the Alaknanda-Dhauliganga basin.
- Tattapani: A major geothermal field in central India located in the Son-Narmada fault zone in Chhattisgarh.
How do the tributaries form the Panch Prayag of the Alaknanda River?
- Vishnuprayag: Dhauliganga meets Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag. The Tapovan region lies within this sub-basin.
- Nandprayag & Karnaprayag: The Nandakini river joins the Alaknanda at Nandprayag, and the Pindar river joins at Karnaprayag.
- Rudraprayag & Devprayag: The Mandakini river merges at Rudraprayag, and finally, the Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda at Devprayag to form the Ganga.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Himalayan Hydro vs. Geothermal Stability
Tapovan hosts both geothermal sites and the Tapovan-Vishnugad Hydro project. UPSC often contrasts the climate-induced disaster vulnerability of Himalayan hydro (GLOF risks) with the localized baseload stability of geothermal energy.
State heritage circuits and PRASHAD goals
Uttarakhand's 'Manaskhand Temple Mala Mission' aligns perfectly with the central PRASHAD scheme's objective: integrating heritage clusters to disperse tourist footfall and prevent localized over-tourism in fragile ecological zones.
Expect a multi-statement question mapping Himalayan geothermal sites (Tapovan, Puga) to their exact river basins (Dhauliganga, Indus).
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Match the hydroelectric projects with the river on which they are constructed : | Name of Project | River | |---|---| | A. Koteshwar | 1. Asan | | B. Kulhal | 2. Alaknanda | | C. Tapoban Vishnugad | 3. Bhagirathi | | D. Vishnuprayag | 4. Dhalui | A B C D
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Hindu religious pilgrimage place named 'Purnagiri' is situated in which of the following districts of Uttarakhand ?
