List of Dams and Reservoirs in India 2024:A Detailed Overview

List of Dams and Reservoirs in India: A Detailed Overview

India is home to numerous dams and reservoirs, which play a vital role in irrigation, power generation, flood control, and water supply. From the towering Bhakra Nangal to the picturesque Hirakud Dam, each of these marvels of engineering contributes significantly to India’s infrastructure. In this article, we’ll explore a comprehensive list of dams and reservoirs in India, delving into their importance, types, and the regions they support.

Introduction to Dams and Reservoirs in India

India has a vast network of dams and reservoirs scattered across its landscape, serving multiple purposes such as irrigation, water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. These structures are critical to supporting the nation’s agricultural demands, energy requirements, and growing population. With a history of dam building dating back to ancient times, India has embraced modern dam engineering to meet its present-day needs.

Dam Name State River
Nizam Sagar Dam Telangana Manjira River
Somasila Dam Andhra Pradesh Pennar River
Srisailam Dam Andhra Pradesh Krishna River
Singur Dam Telangana Manjira River
Ukai Dam Gujarat Tapti River
Dharoi Dam Gujarat Sabarmati River
Kadana Dam Gujarat Mahi River
Dantiwada Dam Gujarat Banas River
Pandoh Dam Himachal Pradesh Beas River
Bhakra Nangal Dam Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Border Sutlej River
Nathpa Jhakri Dam Himachal Pradesh Satluj River
Chamera Dam Himachal Pradesh Ravi River
Baglihar Dam Jammu and Kashmir Chenab River
Dumkhar Hydroelectric Dam Jammu and Kashmir Indus River
Uri Hydroelectric Dam Jammu and Kashmir Jhelum River
Maithon Dam Jharkhand Barakar River
Chandil Dam Jharkhand Swarnarekha River
Panchet Dam Jharkhand Damodar River
Tungabhadra Dam Karnataka Tungabhadra River
Linganamakki Dam Karnataka Sharavathi River
Kadra Dam Karnataka Kalinadi River
Alamatti Dam Karnataka Krishna River
Supa Dam Karnataka Kalinadi or Kali River
Krishna Raja Sagara Dam Karnataka Kaveri River
Harangi Dam Karnataka Harangi River
Narayanpur Dam Karnataka Krishna River
Kodasalli Dam Karnataka Kali River
Malampuzha Dam Kerala Malampuzha River
Peechi Dam Kerala Manali River
Idukki Dam Kerala Periyar River
Kundala Dam Kerala Kundala Lake
Parambikulam Dam Kerala Parambikulam River
Walayar Dam Kerala Walayar River
Mullaperiyar Dam Kerala Periyar River
Neyyar Dam Kerala Neyyar River
Rajghat Dam Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Border Betwa River
Barna Dam Madhya Pradesh Barna River
Bargi Dam Madhya Pradesh Narmada River
Bansagar Dam Madhya Pradesh Sone River
Gandhi Sagar Dam Madhya Pradesh Chambal River
Yeldari Dam Maharashtra Purna River
Ujani Dam Maharashtra Bhima River
Pawna Dam Maharashtra Maval River
Mulshi Dam Maharashtra Mula River
Koyna Dam Maharashtra Koyna River
Jayakwadi Dam Maharashtra Godavari River
Bhatsa Dam Maharashtra Bhatsa River
Wilson Dam Maharashtra Pravara River
Tansa Dam Maharashtra Tansa River
Panshet Dam Maharashtra Ambi River
Mula Dam Maharashtra Mula River
Kolkewadi Dam Maharashtra Vashishti River
Girna Dam Maharashtra Girana River
Vaitarna Dam Maharashtra Vaitarna River
Radhanagari Dam Telangana Bhogawati River
Lower Manair Dam Telangana Manair River
Mid Manair Dam Telangana Manair River and SRSP Flood Flow Canal
Upper Manair Dam Telangana Manair River and Kudlair River
Khadakwasla Dam Maharashtra Mutha River
Gangapur Dam Maharashtra Godavari River
Jalaput Dam Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Border Machkund River
Indravati Dam Odisha Indravati River
Hirakud Dam Odisha Mahanadi River
Vaigai Dam Tamil Nadu Vaigai River
Perunchani Dam Tamil Nadu Paralayar River
Mettur Dam Tamil Nadu Kaveri River
Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Dam (Rihand Dam) Uttar Pradesh Rihand River
Tehri Dam Uttarakhand Bhagirathi River
Dhauli Ganga Dam Uttarakhand Dhauli Ganga River

Importance of Dams in India: List of Dams and Reservoirs in India

Dams are more than just concrete walls holding back rivers; they are lifelines for millions of Indians, providing critical services in various sectors.

Dams for Irrigation and Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, and dams play a key role in supplying water to farmlands. India’s diverse climatic conditions make water storage necessary for irrigation during dry periods. The water stored in reservoirs helps regulate the flow of rivers and canals, ensuring that crops receive adequate water even during droughts.

Hydroelectric Power Generation

Hydroelectric dams harness the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. India, being a growing economy, relies heavily on sustainable energy sources. Dams like Bhakra Nangal and Tehri contribute significantly to the national grid, providing renewable energy to millions of homes and industries.

Flood Control and Water Management

Dams help control the destructive forces of floods, especially during the monsoon season. By regulating water flow, dams prevent downstream flooding and mitigate the damage to human lives, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Domestic and Industrial Water Supply

In addition to agriculture and energy production, dams provide a stable water supply for domestic and industrial use. Many cities and towns in India depend on dam reservoirs to meet their drinking water and manufacturing needs.

History of Dam Construction in India

Ancient India and Early Dams:List of Dams and Reservoirs in India

Dams are not a new concept in India. Even in ancient times, small earthen dams were constructed to capture monsoon rainwater for irrigation. One of the earliest known dams, the Kallanai Dam, built by the Chola kings in Tamil Nadu over 2,000 years ago, is still operational today.

Post-Independence Developments

Post-independence, India saw a surge in dam construction, with major projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam, Hirakud Dam, and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam being launched to address the nation’s growing needs for water and power.

Types of Dams in India

India boasts a variety of dam types, each designed to suit the geographical and environmental conditions of the region.

Gravity Dams

Gravity dams rely on their own weight to hold back water. They are massive structures built with concrete or stone masonry.

Example: Bhakra Nangal Dam

The Bhakra Nangal Dam, located on the Sutlej River, is one of the largest gravity dams in India, standing at 226 meters. It provides hydroelectric power, irrigation water, and flood control for the surrounding regions.

Embankment Dams

Embankment dams are typically made from earth or rock and are built across wide valleys.

Example: Hirakud Dam

Hirakud Dam, situated on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, is the longest earthen dam in the world. It plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation.

Arch Dams

Arch dams are curved structures that transfer the water pressure to the valley walls on either side of the river.

Example: Idukki Dam

Located in Kerala, the Idukki Dam is one of the tallest arch dams in Asia and is used primarily for hydroelectric power generation.

Barrages

A barrage is a type of low-head diversion dam that allows water to flow over the top while controlling its flow downstream.

Example: Farakka Barrage

The Farakka Barrage, constructed on the Ganges River in West Bengal, plays an essential role in diverting water to the Hooghly River to prevent siltation in the Kolkata port.

Major Dams in India

Bhakra Nangal Dam (Himachal Pradesh)

The Bhakra Nangal Dam is a towering structure that stands as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess. It serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control.

Hirakud Dam (Odisha)

The Hirakud Dam spans across 25.8 kilometers, making it one of the longest dams in the world. Its reservoir supplies water to irrigate thousands of acres of farmland and produces a significant amount of electricity.

Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand)

Tehri Dam, standing on the Bhagirathi River, is the tallest dam in India. It is a major source of hydroelectric power and supplies drinking water to cities like Delhi and Agra.

Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat)

The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River is one of the largest water resource projects in India. It provides water for irrigation and drinking purposes to Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Telangana)

One of the largest masonry dams in the world, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a key irrigation and power generation project on the Krishna River.

Notable Reservoirs in India

Gobind Sagar (Himachal Pradesh)

The reservoir formed by the Bhakra Nangal Dam, Gobind Sagar, is one of the largest in India, supplying water for both irrigation and power generation.

Pong Reservoir (Himachal Pradesh)

Located on the Beas River, the Pong Reservoir supports irrigation and hydroelectric power and is a haven for migratory birds.

Indira Sagar Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

Indira Sagar, created by the Indira Sagar Dam, is one of the largest reservoirs in India and plays a critical role in power generation and irrigation.

Stanley Reservoir (Tamil Nadu)

Formed by the Mettur Dam on the Cauvery River, Stanley Reservoir is a significant source of water for agriculture and domestic use in Tamil Nadu.

Environmental and Social Impacts of Dams

Displacement and Rehabilitation of People

Large dam projects often require the displacement of communities, leading to social and economic challenges. Rehabilitation of these communities is a critical issue in dam planning.

Impact on Ecosystems and Wildlife

Dams can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting fish populations and other wildlife. Changes in river flow also impact downstream habitats.

Sedimentation and Siltation Issues

Over time, reservoirs experience sediment build-up, reducing their capacity to store water. This phenomenon, known as siltation, can limit the effectiveness of dams in irrigation, power generation, and flood control. Managing sediment through dredging or other techniques is critical to maintaining a dam’s long-term functionality.

Conclusion

Dams and reservoirs are crucial for India’s development, addressing the country’s needs for irrigation, power generation, water supply, and flood control. From the colossal Bhakra Nangal to the historic Hirakud and modern marvels like the Sardar Sarovar, these engineering feats have helped shape India’s progress. However, while dams offer numerous benefits, they also present significant environmental and social challenges, such as displacement, ecological disruption, and sedimentation. A balanced approach that considers both development and sustainability is essential for the future of dam construction and management in India.

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FAQs

List of Dams and Reservoirs in India: A Detailed Overview

What is the largest dam in India?

The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand is the largest dam in India, standing at 260.5 meters (855 feet). It’s also the tallest dam in the country and is primarily used for generating hydroelectric power and providing water for irrigation.

How do dams benefit agriculture in India?

Dams store water during the rainy season and release it during dry periods, ensuring a continuous supply of water for irrigation. This helps farmers cultivate crops year-round, boosting agricultural productivity and supporting food security.

What are the environmental challenges associated with dams?

The construction of dams can lead to the displacement of communities, disruption of ecosystems, and changes in river flow patterns. Sedimentation in reservoirs also reduces their capacity over time, impacting their long-term viability.

How many dams are there in India?

India has over 5,200 large dams, according to the National Register of Large Dams. These include major dams like Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, and Nagarjuna Sagar, as well as numerous smaller dams and reservoirs.

Which state has the most dams in India?

Maharashtra has the most dams in India, with over 1,800 large and small dams. The state relies on its extensive network of dams for irrigation, drinking water, and power generation.

jitendra sahoo
jitendra sahoohttps://gkaffairs.com
As an editor and lead content creator, my primary focus is on delivering authentic and valuable content to our readers. Another key responsibility of mine is sourcing meaningful content from official sources and analyzing it. I bring over 5 years of experience in content writing and more than a decade of specialization in educational content.

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