Exploring the Largest Dam in India: Tehri Dam

Hey there, young explorers! Are you ready to dive into an exciting journey to discover the largest dam in India? Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on an adventure that’ll make your next science project or general knowledge quiz a breeze!

What is the Largest Dam in India?

The largest dam in India Tehri Dam is located on the Bhagirathi River near Tehri in Uttarakhand, it is a significant structure in terms of height and the volume of water it holds. The Tehri Dam is not only the largest in India but also one of the tallest dams in the world, standing at a height of 260.5 meters (855 feet). It plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control in the region.

Types of Dams

Dams are crucial structures for water management and come in various types based on their construction and function. Here’s a breakdown:

Based on Structure

1. Arch Dams: These concrete dams have an upstream curve, resembling an arch. The water pressure pushes against the arch, strengthening the structure. They are ideal for narrow canyons with stable rock walls.
2. Gravity Dams: Made of concrete or masonry, these dams rely solely on their weight to resist water pressure. Each section is designed to be independent and stable.
3. Arch-Gravity Dams: Combining features of arch and gravity dams, these dams curve upstream, directing water pressure towards the canyon walls, reducing lateral force.
4. Barrages: These low-head dams have gates to control water flow. They regulate river levels for irrigation and other purposes.
5. Embankment Dams: Constructed from compacted soil, sand, clay, or rock, these dams have a waterproof core and a semi-pervious surface.
6. Rock-Fill Dams: Made of compacted rock and earth with an impervious zone, these dams are often used in areas with abundant rock.
7. Concrete-Face Rock-Fill Dams (CFRDs): These dams have a concrete face on the upstream side, providing an impervious barrier and reducing uplift pressure.
8. Earth-Fill Dams: Constructed entirely of earth, these dams require careful compaction and may include a drainage layer.

History of Tehri Dam

The story of the largest dam in India, Tehri Dam, begins in the mid-20th century. The initial idea of constructing a dam on the Bhagirathi River was proposed in the 1950s. However, the actual construction work began much later, in 1978. The project faced numerous challenges, including technical difficulties, financial constraints, and environmental concerns. Despite these hurdles, the determination to harness the river’s potential for irrigation and power generation kept the project moving forward.

After years of relentless effort and overcoming various obstacles, the Tehri Dam was finally completed in 2006. This monumental project was undertaken by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) and stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

Structure and Specifications

Tehri Dam, the largest dam in India and the fourth highest dam in the world, is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River, a tributary of the Ganges River. Here are some key structural features and specifications:

• Height: 260.5 meters (855 feet)
• Length: 575 meters (1,886 feet)
• Volume: 21.7 million cubic meters
• Reservoir Capacity: 3,200 million cubic meters
• Hydropower Capacity: 1,000 MW (with an additional 1,000 MW pumped storage)

The dam’s height makes it the highest dam in India and one of the highest in the world. The vast reservoir created by the dam, known as the Tehri Lake, stretches over 42 square kilometres, providing water storage for irrigation, municipal supply, and hydroelectric power generation.

Significance of Tehri Dam

The Tehri Dam, being the largest dam in India, holds immense significance in various aspects:

1. Hydroelectric Power Generation: With an installed capacity of 1,000 MW, the Tehri Dam is a major source of renewable energy. The additional 1,000 MW pumped storage further enhances its capability to meet peak electricity demands.
2. Irrigation: The dam provides irrigation water to an extensive area of agricultural land in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana, significantly boosting agricultural productivity.
3. Flood Control: By regulating the flow of the Bhagirathi River, the Tehri Dam plays a crucial role in controlling floods in the downstream areas, thereby protecting lives and property.
4. Drinking Water Supply: The reservoir serves as a vital source of drinking water for millions of people in northern India, addressing the water scarcity issues in the region.

Environmental Impact

The construction of the largest dam in India has had significant environmental implications. While the Tehri Dam provides numerous benefits, it also brought about several environmental challenges:

1. Submergence of Land: The creation of the Tehri Lake led to the submergence of approximately 100 square kilometres of land, including forests, agricultural fields, and human settlements.
2. Displacement of People: Around 100,000 people were displaced due to the construction of the dam, necessitating large-scale resettlement and rehabilitation efforts.
3. Ecological Changes: The alteration of the river’s flow and the creation of a large reservoir have impacted the local ecosystem, affecting aquatic life and biodiversity.
4. Seismic Concerns: The dam is located in a seismically active region, raising concerns about its structural stability during earthquakes. Extensive engineering measures have been implemented to mitigate these risks.

Also Read 📖

👉 India’s Biggest Lake: A Simple Guide

👉 The Tallest Building in India: Palais Royale

👉 Tallest Statue in the World 2023: Top 10 List

Economic and Social Impact

The Tehri Dam has had profound economic and social impacts:

1. Job Creation: The construction and ongoing operation of the dam have created numerous job opportunities for local communities, contributing to regional economic development.
2. Infrastructure Development: The project has led to the development of essential infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, improving the quality of life for the local population.
3. Tourism: The scenic beauty of the Tehri Lake and the surrounding areas has become a popular tourist destination, boosting the local tourism industry and economy.
4. Educational Opportunities: The project has also spurred educational initiatives, including the establishment of schools and vocational training centres for the displaced and local communities.

Tehri Dam in Comparison to Other Indian Dams

When discussing the largest dam in India, it’s important to understand how Tehri Dam compares to other major dams in the country:

1. Bhakra Nangal Dam: Located on the Sutlej River, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of India’s largest gravity dams. While it is lower in height (226 meters) compared to Tehri, it has a larger reservoir capacity and plays a vital role in irrigation and power generation.
2. Sardar Sarovar Dam: Built on the Narmada River, the Sardar Sarovar Dam has a height of 163 meters and is known for its extensive canal network that supports irrigation and water supply across multiple states.
3. Hirakud Dam: Situated on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, the Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world, stretching over 25.8 kilometres. It is a major flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power source.

Visiting Tehri Dam

Tehri Dam and the surrounding areas offer a unique blend of natural beauty and engineering marvels. Here are some tips for those interested in visiting:

• Location: Tehri Dam is located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, approximately 280 kilometres from Delhi.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from March to June and September to December when the weather is pleasant.
• Attractions: Apart from the dam, visitors can enjoy boating and other water sports on the Tehri Lake, explore nearby trekking trails, and visit the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation’s Visitor Center.

Tehri Dam: Interesting Facts

The Tehri Dam, a marvel of engineering, offers a multitude of interesting facts:

• World’s Tallest Rock-Fill Dam: It holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest rock-fill dam, showcasing India’s expertise in dam construction.
• A Hydropower Giant: The dam’s power plant has a total installed capacity of 1,000 MW, making it a significant contributor to India’s energy grid.
• A Tourist Attraction: The Tehri Dam has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and the opportunity to explore the surrounding hills.
• Wildlife Sanctuary: The Tehri Dam reservoir has created a new habitat for various wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
• Challenges and Triumphs: The construction of the dam faced numerous challenges, including environmental concerns and the displacement of local communities. However, through careful planning and mitigation measures, these obstacles were overcome.

The Tehri Dam is not just a structure; it is a symbol of India’s progress and its ability to harness its natural resources for the benefit of its people. It stands as a testament to the country’s engineering prowess and its commitment to sustainable development.

Top 10 Largest Dams in India by Height

India, a land of diverse landscapes, relies heavily on dams for water management. These giants of civil engineering serve multiple purposes, including irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation. Let’s explore the top 10 largest dam in India, marvels of human ingenuity that play a vital role in the nation’s development.

Rank	Dam Name	Location	State	Height (m)	Purpose
1	Tehri Dam	Bhagirathi River	Uttarakhand	260.5	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
2	Bhakra Dam	Sutlej River	Himachal Pradesh	225.6	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
3	Sardar Sarovar Dam	Narmada River	Gujarat	163	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
4	Indira Sagar Dam	Narmada River	Madhya Pradesh	153	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
5	Nathpa Jhakri Dam	Satluj River	Himachal Pradesh	143	Hydroelectric
6	Srisailam Dam	Krishna River	Telangana	133	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
7	Nagarjuna Sagar Dam	Krishna River	Telangana	124	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
8	Hirakud Dam	Mahanadi River	Odisha	105.7	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
9	Tungabhadra Dam	Tungabhadra River	Karnataka/Andhra Pradesh	101.6	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
10	Maithon Dam	Barakar River	Jharkhand	105.3	Hydroelectric, Irrigation

These top 10 Biggest Dam in India dams are just a glimpse into India’s vast network of dams. They stand as testaments to the country’s commitment to water management and infrastructure development.

Top 10 Longest Dams in India by Length

Here are the top 10 longest dams in India based on their length:

Rank	Dam Name	Location	State	Length (m)	Purpose
1	Hirakud Dam	Mahanadi River	Odisha	4,800	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
2	Bhakra Dam	Sutlej River	Himachal Pradesh	4,250	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
3	Sardar Sarovar Dam	Narmada River	Gujarat	2,723	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
4	Nagarjuna Sagar Dam	Krishna River	Telangana	2,414	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
5	Indira Sagar Dam	Narmada River	Madhya Pradesh	2,240	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
6	Srisailam Dam	Krishna River	Telangana	2,138	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
7	Tehri Dam	Bhagirathi River	Uttarakhand	1,750	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
8	Nathpa Jhakri Dam	Satluj River	Himachal Pradesh	1,536	Hydroelectric
9	Tungabhadra Dam	Tungabhadra River	Karnataka/Andhra Pradesh	1,389	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
10	Maithon Dam	Barakar River	Jharkhand	1,315	Hydroelectric, Irrigation

Top 10 Largest Dams in India by Volume

Here are the top 10 largest dams in India based on their reservoir capacity:

Rank	Dam Name	Location	State	Capacity (MCM)	Purpose
1	Indira Sagar Dam	Narmada River	Madhya Pradesh	12,220	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
2	Bhakra Dam	Sutlej River	Himachal Pradesh	9,670	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
3	Hirakud Dam	Mahanadi River	Odisha	8,135	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
4	Nagarjuna Sagar Dam	Krishna River	Telangana	7,449	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
5	Srisailam Dam	Krishna River	Telangana	6,760	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
6	Tehri Dam	Bhagirathi River	Uttarakhand	6,330	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
7	Sardar Sarovar Dam	Narmada River	Gujarat	6,320	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
8	Nathpa Jhakri Dam	Satluj River	Himachal Pradesh	4,600	Hydroelectric
9	Maithon Dam	Barakar River	Jharkhand	4,500	Hydroelectric, Irrigation
10	Tungabhadra Dam	Tungabhadra River	Karnataka/Andhra Pradesh	4,380	Hydroelectric, Irrigation

Largest Dam in India on Map

Creating a visual representation of the largest dams in India on a map can be a helpful way to understand their geographical distribution and significance

Largest Dam in India in Hindi

भारत में सबसे बड़ा बांध टिहरी बाँध है। यह बांध उत्तराखंड राज्य में भागीरथी नदी पर स्थित है। टिहरी बाँध की ऊंचाई 260.5 मीटर है, जिससे यह भारत का सबसे ऊंचा बांध है। इस बांध का निर्माण 1978 में शुरू हुआ और 2006 में पूरा हुआ। टिहरी बाँध, जल विद्युत उत्पादन, सिंचाई और बाढ़ नियंत्रण जैसे कई उद्देश्यों के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

Click here to read: Largest Dam in India in Hindi.

The largest Dam in India UPSC

For UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams, it’s important to understand significant infrastructure projects in India, including dams. The UPSC syllabus covers a wide range of topics, and knowledge about the largest dams in India can be relevant for both the Prelims and Mains exams, especially under the sections related to Indian geography, economy, and environment.

When preparing for UPSC, it’s crucial to not only know which dam is the largest based on specific criteria (like height, length, or reservoir capacity) but also to understand the dam’s significance in terms of its purpose, impact on the environment and society, and its role in India’s development.

Here are some key points to remember about India’s largest dams for UPSC preparation:

1. Tehri Dam: Located in Uttarakhand, Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India. It’s a multipurpose dam that serves for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. Its construction and impact on the environment and local communities are significant topics.
2. Indira Sagar Dam: Situated in Madhya Pradesh on the Narmada River, Indira Sagar Dam is the largest dam in India by volume. It’s a part of the Narmada Valley Project and is crucial for irrigation and power generation.
3. Bhakra Dam: Located in Himachal Pradesh, Bhakra Dam is a significant dam for its contribution to irrigation and power generation. It’s a part of the Bhakra Nangal Project and is known for being one of the highest gravity dams in the world.
4. Sardar Sarovar Dam: Situated on the Narmada River, this dam is a key component of the Narmada Valley Project and is located in Gujarat. It’s significant for water supply, irrigation, and power generation.
5. Hirakud Dam: Located in Odisha on the Mahanadi River, Hirakud Dam is one of the earliest multipurpose river valley projects in India. It’s crucial for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

For UPSC preparation, candidates should focus on understanding these dams’ geographical, economic, and environmental significance. It’s also important to stay updated with any recent developments, policies, or debates related to these dams, as they can be potential topics for UPSC questions.

Click here to read about Largest Dam in India Wikipedia.

Conclusion

The Tehri Dam, the largest dam in India, stands as a symbol of human achievement in harnessing natural resources for sustainable development. Its contributions to hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control, and water supply are invaluable. However, it is essential to balance such large-scale projects with environmental and social considerations to ensure a sustainable future. Through understanding and appreciating the complexities of the Tehri Dam, we can gain insights into the broader challenges and opportunities in the field of water resource management.

Largest Dam in India: FAQ’s