List of Dams and Reservoirs in India: A Comprehensive Guide
India, with its diverse geography and varied climatic conditions, has extensively developed its water resources through the construction of dams and reservoirs. These structures play a crucial role in irrigation, water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. Here is a detailed look at some of the most significant dams and reservoirs across the country.
| Dams in India | ||
| Highest Dam in India | Tehri Dam(Uttarakhand) | Height: 260.5 metersLength: 575 metersRiver: Bhagirathi RiverLocation: UttarakhandYear of completion:2006 (1st phase) |
| Longest Dam in India | Hirakud Dam (Odisha) | Total Length: 25.79 km (16.03 mi)Length of Main Dam:4.8 km (3.0 mi)River: MahanadiLocation: OdishaYear of completion:1953 |
| Oldest Dam in India | Kallanai Dam(Tamil Nadu) | River: KaveriLocation: Tamil NaduYear of completion: 100 BC –100 AD |
List Of Major Dams in India
| List Of Major Dams in India | State | River |
| Bhavani Sagar dam | Tamil Nadu | Bhavani |
| Tungabhadra Dam | Karnataka | Tungabhadra |
| Rihand Dam | Uttar Pradesh | Rihand |
| Maithon Dam | Jharkhand | Barakar |
| Koyna Dam | Maharashtra | Koyna |
| Bisalpur Dam | Rajasthan | Banas |
| Mettur Dam | Tamil Nadu | Kaveri |
| Krishnarajasagar Dam | Karnataka | Kaveri |
| Indira Sagar Dam | Madhya Pradesh | Narmada |
| Cheruthoni Dam | Kerala | Cheruthoni |
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | Gujarat | Narmada |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Dam | Telangana | Krishna |
| Hirakud dam | Odisha | Mahanadi |
| Bhakra Nangal Dam | Punjab-Himachal Pradesh Border | Sutlej |
| Tehri Dam | Uttarakhand | Bhagirathi |
Northern India
- Bhakra Dam
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- River: Sutlej
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 9,340 million cubic meters
- Height: 226 meters
- Tehri Dam
- Location: Uttarakhand
- River: Bhagirathi
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, water supply
- Capacity: 2,615 million cubic meters
- Height: 260.5 meters
- Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Sagar)
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- River: Beas
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power, water storage
- Capacity: 8,570 million cubic meters
- Height: 133 meters
Central India
- Indira Sagar Dam
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- River: Narmada
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation
- Capacity: 12,220 million cubic meters
- Height: 92 meters
- Bargi Dam
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- River: Narmada
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 3,180 million cubic meters
- Height: 69 meters
- Tawa Dam
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
- River: Tawa
- Purpose: Irrigation, water supply
- Capacity: 2,315 million cubic meters
- Height: 57 meters
Western India
- Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Location: Gujarat
- River: Narmada
- Purpose: Irrigation, drinking water, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 9,500 million cubic meters
- Height: 163 meters
- Ukai Dam
- Location: Gujarat
- River: Tapi
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 7,414 million cubic meters
- Height: 80.77 meters
- Narmada Dam
- Location: Maharashtra
- River: Narmada
- Purpose: Irrigation, water supply, power generation
- Capacity: 12,220 million cubic meters
- Height: 92 meters
Southern India
- Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam
- Location: Karnataka
- River: Kaveri
- Purpose: Irrigation, water supply
- Capacity: 1,368 million cubic meters
- Height: 39 meters
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Location: Telangana
- River: Krishna
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 11,472 million cubic meters
- Height: 124 meters
- Mettur Dam
- Location: Tamil Nadu
- River: Kaveri
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 2,657 million cubic meters
- Height: 120 feet
Eastern India
- Hirakud Dam
- Location: Odisha
- River: Mahanadi
- Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, hydroelectric power
- Capacity: 8,136 million cubic meters
- Height: 60.96 meters
- Maithon Dam
- Location: Jharkhand
- River: Barakar
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power, flood control
- Capacity: 1,360 million cubic meters
- Height: 50 meters
- Rihand Dam
- Location: Uttar Pradesh
- River: Rihand
- Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation
- Capacity: 10,608 million cubic meters
- Height: 91.46 meters
Importance and Challenges
Dams and reservoirs in India are vital for sustaining agriculture, generating electricity, and providing potable water. They also play a critical role in managing floods and droughts. However, the construction and maintenance of these structures come with challenges such as displacement of communities, environmental impact, and the need for efficient water management strategies.
Conclusion
India’s extensive network of dams and reservoirs is a testament to its efforts in harnessing water resources for multifaceted uses. As the country continues to develop, the sustainable management and modernization of these water infrastructures remain imperative for addressing future challenges related to water scarcity and climate change.
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Dams and Reservoirs in India
Dams and reservoirs in India are primarily used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, water supply for drinking and industrial use, and flood control.
India has over 5,200 large dams and many smaller ones, making it one of the countries with the highest number of dams in the world.
The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand is the largest dam in India by height, standing at 260.5 meters. The Indira Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh has the largest reservoir capacity.
Some of the oldest dams in India include:
Kallanai Dam (Grand Anicut): Built around the 2nd century AD on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu.
Vani Vilasa Sagara Dam: Built in the early 20th century on the Vedavathi River in Karnataka.
Dams store water in large reservoirs. When released, the water flows through turbines, generating electricity through hydroelectric power plants situated at the dam site.
Dams can lead to habitat destruction, changes in river ecosystems, displacement of local communities, and submergence of forests and agricultural land. They can also affect the natural flow of sediments and nutrients downstream.
Dams regulate river flow by storing excess water during heavy rains and releasing it gradually, thus preventing sudden floods. Reservoirs can absorb and control floodwaters, protecting downstream areas.
The Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River is one of the highest gravity dams in the world. It plays a critical role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh has the largest reservoir in India with a capacity of 12,220 million cubic meters.
Challenges include displacement of communities, environmental impacts, high costs, ensuring structural safety, sedimentation in reservoirs, and the need for regular maintenance and modernization.
Dam safety and maintenance are managed by state governments and agencies like the Central Water Commission (CWC). Regular inspections, maintenance activities, and adherence to safety protocols are crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of dams.
Yes, many dams in India are popular tourist destinations and allow public visits. Some of the well-known dams with visitor facilities include Bhakra Dam, Tehri Dam, and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
Reservoirs store rainwater and river water, which can be used during dry periods for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. They help in groundwater recharge and ensure a continuous supply of water.
Key dams in Southern India include:
Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam on the Kaveri River in Karnataka
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on the Krishna River in Telangana
Mettur Dam on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu
Dams provide a reliable source of water for irrigation, enabling multiple cropping cycles, improving agricultural productivity, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of farmers.
