In which Indian state is the highest dam of India, the Tehri Dam, located?

Introduction / Context:
India has constructed many large dams for hydroelectric power, irrigation and flood control. This question focuses on the highest dam in the country, Tehri Dam, and checks whether you know the state in which it is located. Such questions combine geography with basic knowledge of infrastructure and are frequently asked in competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to the highest dam in India, which is Tehri Dam.
• We need to identify the Indian state where Tehri Dam is situated.
• Options are Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir.
• We assume standard textbook information about dam locations.

Concept / Approach:
Tehri Dam is built on the Bhagirathi River and is known for its great height, often quoted at over 260 metres. It lies in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Some other states such as Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir also have big dams, but they are not as high as Tehri Dam. The approach is to remember the association between Tehri Dam and the state of Uttarakhand.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Tehri Dam is commonly identified as the highest dam in India. Step 2: Remember that Tehri Dam is on the Bhagirathi River in the Garhwal region. Step 3: The Garhwal region lies within the state of Uttarakhand, not Himachal Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir. Step 4: Maharashtra has important dams such as Koyna, but these are not the highest in the country. Step 5: Therefore, the correct state is Uttarakhand.

Verification / Alternative check:
If we consult lists of major dams in India, Tehri Dam is clearly identified as being in Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Himachal Pradesh has dams like Bhakra Nangal (shared with Punjab) and Nathpa Jhakri, but the heights differ from Tehri. Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra also have large dams, but none surpass Tehri in height. This confirms that Uttarakhand is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Himachal Pradesh: Contains important hydroelectric projects, but Tehri Dam is not located there.
Maharashtra: Has big dams for irrigation and power, yet no dam taller than Tehri Dam.
Jammu and Kashmir: Also has hydro projects, but Tehri Dam does not lie in this state.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to confuse the locations of various Himalayan dams and pick Himachal Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir because they are also mountainous. Learners may also recall Bhakra Nangal as a famous dam and mistakenly treat it as the highest. Careful reading of standard references and associating Tehri Dam specifically with Uttarakhand avoids this confusion.

Final Answer:
Hence, the highest dam in India, Tehri Dam, is located in Uttarakhand.