India, a country with a wide variety of rivers and landscapes, is home to a large number of dams that are essential for irrigation, the production of hydroelectric power, flood control, and water supply. The nation’s socioeconomic development has benefited greatly from these engineering wonders or dams. Major Dams in India, like the Bhakra Nangal and the Tehri, are testaments to human engineering skills but also necessitate careful consideration of environmental and social impacts. Here, we look at a few of India’s most important dams, each with special qualities and contributions.
1. Bhakra Nangal Dam
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- River: Sutlej
- Height: 226 meters
- Length: 518 meters
One of the world’s highest gravity dams, the Bhakra Nangal Dam supplies northern India with essential energy and water. It was finished in 1963 and created the Gobind Sagar reservoir, which is utilized for hydroelectric power generation, drinking water, and agriculture. The dam is a representation of India’s post-independence development and is essential to flood control.
2. Tehri Dam
- Location: Uttarakhand
- River: Bhagirathi
- Height: 260.5 meters
- Length: 575 meters
Tehri Dam, the highest dam in India, stands tall in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam that supports irrigation, municipal water supply, and a 1,000 MW hydroelectric power plant. The dam’s reservoir, Tehri Lake, has also become a popular tourist destination.
3. Sardar Sarovar Dam
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is part of the Narmada Valley Project and one of the largest dams in India. It provides water to four Indian states—Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The dam is instrumental in irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, significantly enhancing agricultural productivity and water availability in the region.
4. Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world, stretches across the Mahanadi River, about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) from Sambalpur in the state of Odisha in India. Completed in 1957, it was the first major multipurpose river valley project after India’s independence. The dam’s reservoir, Hirakud Reservoir, is crucial for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. It also supports fisheries and provides water for industrial use.
5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Location: Telangana
- River: Krishna
- Height: 124 meters
- Length: 1,550 meters
The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, one of the world’s largest masonry dams, is a significant irrigation and hydroelectric project in southern India. It was completed in 1967 and forms one of the largest artificial lakes. The dam provides irrigation to the arid regions of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and supports a 815 MW hydroelectric power station.
6. Indira Sagar Dam
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- River: Narmada
- Height: 92 meters
- Length: 653 meters
Indira Sagar Dam, a part of the Narmada Valley Project, is essential for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply. The dam’s reservoir is one of the largest in India, providing irrigation to a vast agricultural area and supporting a 1,000 MW hydroelectric power plant.
7. Mullaperiyar Dam
Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895, is one of the oldest dams in India. Despite its age, it is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River of the Idukki district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated 150km southeast of Kochi it continues to be a vital source of water for irrigation and drinking purposes in the state of Tamil Nadu. The dam is an engineering marvel of its time, constructed using lime surkhi mortar, and remains a topic of inter-state water disputes.
Major dams in India
| Dam Name | Location | River | Height (m) | Length (m) | Purpose | Year of Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhakra Nangal Dam | Himachal Pradesh | Sutlej | 226 | 518 | Irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, water supply | 1963 |
| Tehri Dam | Uttarakhand | Bhagirathi | 260.5 | 575 | Irrigation, hydroelectric power, water supply | 2006 |
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | Gujarat | Narmada | 163 | 1,210 | Irrigation, hydroelectric power, water supply | 2017 |
| Hirakud Dam | Odisha | Mahanadi | 60.96 | 4,800 | Irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control | 1957 |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Dam | Telangana | Krishna | 124 | 1,550 | Irrigation, hydroelectric power | 1967 |
| Indira Sagar Dam | Madhya Pradesh | Narmada | 92 | 653 | Irrigation, hydroelectric power, water supply | 2005 |
| Mullaperiyar Dam | Kerala | Periyar | 53.6 | 365.7 | Irrigation, water supply | 1895 |
Conclusion
India’s dams are more than just large, concrete buildings made of steel and concrete; they are vital resources that sustain millions of people by producing hydroelectric power and supplying water for industry, agriculture, and drinking. India’s agrarian economy has changed significantly as a result of these dams, and future water security is now guaranteed. Future problems brought on by climate change and rising water demands will need the preservation and sustainable use of these essential resources.
By appreciating these major dams, we recognize the ingenuity and effort involved in harnessing India’s rivers for the nation’s benefit. Each dam has its unique story and contribution, reflecting the diverse needs and geographical challenges of the regions it serves.
Key Highlights
- Bhakra Nangal Dam: One of the highest gravity dams in the world, critical for northern India’s water and power needs.
- Tehri Dam: The highest dam in India, known for its role in power generation and water supply in Uttarakhand.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: Part of the Narmada Valley Project, serving multiple states with irrigation and power.
- Hirakud Dam: One of the longest dams globally, vital for flood control and irrigation in Odisha.
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: One of the largest masonry dams, essential for irrigation in southern India.
- Indira Sagar Dam: A significant component of the Narmada Valley Project, supporting extensive irrigation and power needs.
- Mullaperiyar Dam: Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala, completed in 1895, is one of the oldest dams in India, for irrigation and water supply.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand is the highest dam in India, with a height of 260.5 meters.
Hirakud Dam in Odisha is the longest dam in India, stretching 4,800 meters across the Mahanadi River.
Irrigation: Providing water for agricultural activities.
Hydroelectric Power Generation: Producing electricity through water turbines.
Water Supply: Supplying water for domestic, industrial, and municipal use.
Flood Control: Mitigating the impact of floods by controlling the flow of river water.
Recreation and Tourism: Some dams, like Tehri Dam, also support recreational activities and tourism.
Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala, completed in 1895, is one of the oldest dams in India.
Dams help in flood control by regulating river water flow, storing excess water during heavy rains, and releasing it gradually to prevent downstream flooding.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Telangana forms one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
Yes, dams like Mullaperiyar Dam have been at the center of inter-state water disputes, primarily between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Hydroelectric power generation involves using the potential energy of stored water to drive turbines, which convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.