Comprehensive List of Major Dams in India
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
India is blessed with fauna, flora, and agriculture and faces six types of climatic changes. After the independence era, lots of Indian dams were constructed. India has a rich history in architecture. India is the country with the 3rd most number of dams. Further information about the longest dam in India, the highest dam in India, the biggest dam in India, the smallest, and a list of important dams in India are discussed to gain more insights.
What is a Dam?
A dam is a structure constructed across a flowing river, stream, or firth to add a barrier to water flow. The main aim of building a dam is to generate electricity which is generally carried out by hydroelectric power plants. The dams are also used to store and supply drinking water to people, perform agricultural activities, and aquacultural activities, control floods, and for industrial purposes.
Major Dams in India
The dams in India are useful for the country in many ways as mentioned below:
- Dams supply a sufficient amount of water for farming as India is considered an agricultural powerhouse by the world.
- Electricity generation with the help of hydroelectric power plants.
- These dams act as a tourist attraction for many people and activities like boating and fishing are carried out too.
- As the sea level is rising the construction of Dams is necessary to control floods.
The dams in India have a total count of 4407 large dams. The dams are said to be large when their height of 15m above the foundation of their crest.
Origin of Dams in India?
The origin of dams in India dates back centuries, with remarkable structures built for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and water management. Historically, the Jawa Dam, constructed around 3000 BCE, is considered one of the earliest examples of water management. Inspired by such developments, the Egyptians later built the Sadd el-Kafara (also known as the Dam of the Pagans) primarily for irrigation. In modern times, the Quatinah Barrage (Lake Homs Dam) in Syria is recognized as the oldest operational dam in the world, still serving its purpose today.
In modern times, the Quatinah Barrage (also called Lake Homs Dam) in Syria holds the distinction of being the oldest operational dam in the world, still serving its purpose today.
Longest Dam in India
The Hirakud Dam, built on the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur, Odisha, is the longest dam in India, spanning 25.79 km. Completed in 1953, it serves irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation, with a reservoir capacity of 4,779,965 acre-feet. The history of dams in India dates back centuries, with global references like the Jawa Dam (3000 BCE) and Sadd el-Kafara in Egypt. The Quatinah Barrage (Lake Homs Dam) in Syria is the oldest operational dam in the world. These dams showcase India’s role in water conservation, agriculture, and energy production. Their contribution to sustainable resource management remains vital for the nation’s development.
Highest Dam in India
The Tehri Dam, located on the Bhagirathi River in New Tehri, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, is the tallest dam in India, standing at 260.5 meters. It is also the 12th tallest dam in the world. With a length of 575 meters, the dam was constructed as part of the Tehri Hydroelectric Complex and is managed by THDC India Ltd. The first phase of the dam was completed in 2006, making it a crucial structure for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. Other highest dams in India include Bhakra Dam (225m), Idukki Dam (168.91m), Koldam Dam (167m), and Sardar Sarovar Dam (163m), playing vital roles in energy production and water management.
Smallest dam in India
Among the dams in India, the Cheruthoni Dam, located in Kerala, is the smallest dam in India. It is a concrete gravity dam and an essential part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in the country. Built across the Cheruthoni River, a tributary of the Periyar River, the dam plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water management in Kerala.
Despite being the smallest dam in India, Cheruthoni Dam significantly contributes to Kerala’s electricity and agricultural needs, ensuring a steady water supply for irrigation and drinking purposes. It also helps in flood control by regulating water flow during the monsoon season. Additionally, the Idukki Reservoir, formed by this dam along with the Idukki and Kulamavu Dams, supports fishing and tourism activities, providing employment opportunities to locals.
Among the many dams in India, Cheruthoni Dam stands out for its strategic importance in sustainable water management and regional development, making it a key resource for southern India.
Oldest Dam in India?
In India, the oldest dam is the Grand Anicut Dam, also known as Kallanai Dam, constructed on the Cauvery River by King Karikalan of the Chola dynasty in the 1st century. Built using uneven stones, the dam spans 329 meters in length and 20 meters in width. Its primary purpose was to divert water across the delta for irrigation, benefiting the agricultural lands of Tamil Nadu. Despite being over 2,000 years old, the dams in India remain functional and have undergone several modifications to enhance their efficiency.
Apart from the Grand Anicut, India is home to various important dams. The smallest dam in India is the Cheruthoni Dam, located in Kerala. It is a concrete gravity dam and a part of the Idukki Hydroelectric Project. On the other hand, the shortest dam in India is the Kinnaur Dam, built in Himachal Pradesh, with a height of just 12 meters. While smaller in size, these dams play a significant role in water management and hydroelectric power generation.
Understanding India’s dams is crucial for SSC aspirants, as questions related to geography, infrastructure, and irrigation frequently appear in competitive exams.
We hope this article on important dams in India for SSC exam preparation was helpful for all aspirants.
Uses of Dams in India
Dams play a crucial role in modern society, offering multiple benefits for water management and development. Here are some key uses of dams:
- Water Supply: Ensures adequate water for domestic, urban, and industrial use.
- Irrigation: Provides a steady water source for agricultural activities.
- Hydroelectric Power: Generates electricity to meet energy demands.
- River Navigation: Facilitates cost-effective transportation through waterways.
- Livelihood & Recreation: Reservoirs support fishing, boating, and tourism.
- Flood Control: Regulates river flow, reducing flood risks and damage.
Highlights of Dams
| Longest Dam in India | Hirakud Dam (Odisha) | Length: 25.79 km Main Dam length: 4.8km River: Mahanadi Year of completion: 1953 |
| Highest Dam in India | Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand) | Length: 575 meters Height: 206.5 meters River: Bhagirathi Location: Uttarakhand Year of Completion: 2006 (phase 1) |
| India’s smallest Dam | Mukkombu Dam (Tamil Nadu) | Length: 650.9 meters Height: 138.2 meters River: Kaveri Year of Completion: 1838 |
8 Major Dams in India
| No | Dam | River |
| 1 | Bhavani Sagar Dam (Tamil Nadu) | Bhavani |
| 2 | Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand) | Bhagirathi |
| 3 | Hirakud Dam (Odisha) | Mahanadi |
| 4 | Bhakra Nangal Dam (Himachal Pradesh) | Sutlej |
| 5 | Rihand Dam (Uttar Pradesh) | Richard |
| 6 | Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Andhra Pradesh) | Krishna |
| 7 | Tungabhadra Dam (Karnataka) | Tungabhadra |
| 8 | Koyna Dam (Maharashtra) | Biradar |
Some of the important dams in India are mentioned as follows:
1. Bhavani Sagar Dam (Tamil Nadu): 2nd Largest Dam in the World
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Bhavani Sagar Dam |
| Location | Tamil Nadu |
| River | Bhavani River |
| Year of Construction | 1955 |
| Significance | 2nd largest earthen dam in the world, largest in India and South Asia |
| Length | 8.4 km |
| Height | 130 feet |
| Power Generation | Around 8 megawatts |
| Distance from Sathyamangalam | 16 km west |
| Notable Fact | First irrigation project after India’s Independence |
2. Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand): India’s highest dam
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Tehri Dam |
| Location | Tehri, Uttarakhand |
| River | Bhagirathi River |
| Year of Completion | 2006 |
| Owner | National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) |
| Type | Hydroelectric Dam |
| Height | 855 feet |
| Length | 1,886 feet |
| Power Generation | 1,000 megawatts |
| Global Ranking | Among the top 10 highest dams in the world |
| Significance | The tallest dam in India |
3. Hirakud Dam (Odisha): Mahanadi
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Hirakud Dam |
| Location | Sambalpur, Odisha |
| River | Mahanadi River |
| Year of Completion | 1957 |
| Governing Authority | Odisha State Government |
| Type | Composite (Earthen + Concrete) Dam |
| Length | 55 km (Longest earthen dam in the world) |
| Height | 200 feet |
| Significance | One of India’s first major multifunctional river valley projects post-independence |
4. Bhakra Nangal Dam (Himachal Pradesh): 2nd in Top 10 Tallest Dam in India
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Bhakra Nangal Dam |
| Location | Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh-Punjab Border |
| River | Sutlej River |
| Governing Authority | Himachal Pradesh State Government |
| Type | Concrete Gravity Dam |
| Height | 741 feet |
| Significance | 3rd largest reservoir in India, 2nd tallest dam in Asia |
| Tourism | Major tourist attraction providing livelihood to locals |
5. Rihand (Uttar Pradesh): Gravity Dam in India
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Rihand Dam |
| Location | Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh |
| River | Rihand River |
| Year of Completion | 1962 |
| Governing Authority | Government of Uttar Pradesh |
| Type | Concrete Gravity Dam |
| Height | 300 feet |
| Water Holding Capacity | 10.6 billion cubic meters (Largest in India by volume) |
| Significance | Largest dam in India in terms of water storage capacity |
6. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Andhra Pradesh): Built on Krishna River
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Nagarjuna Sagar Dam |
| Location | Border of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana |
| River | Krishna River |
| Year of Completion | 1967 |
| Type | Masonry Dam |
| Height | 124 meters |
| Length | 1,550 meters |
| Reservoir Capacity | 11,472 million cubic meters |
| Primary Purpose | Irrigation, Hydroelectric Power, Drinking Water Supply |
| Significance | One of the largest masonry dams in the world, vital for water resource management in southern India |
7. Tungabhadra Dam (Karnataka): Tungabhadra
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Tungabhadra Dam |
| Location | Karnataka |
| River | Tungabhadra River |
| Year of Completion | 1953 |
| Type | Multipurpose Dam |
| Height | 49.38 meters |
| Length | 2,449 meters |
| Storage Capacity | 101 TMC |
| Primary Purpose | Irrigation, Hydroelectric Power, Drinking Water Supply |
| Beneficiary States | Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh |
| Tourism | Known for its scenic reservoir and picturesque surroundings |
8. Koyna Dam (Maharashtra): Biradar
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dam Name | Koyna Dam |
| Location | Maharashtra |
| River | Koyna River |
| Year of Completion | 1964 |
| Type | Hydroelectric Dam |
| Height | 103 meters |
| Length | 807 meters |
| Primary Purpose | Hydroelectric Power, Irrigation, Flood Control, Water Supply |
| Project | Koyna Hydroelectric Project |
| Significance | One of India’s largest power generation schemes |
| Tourism | Surrounded by Western Ghats, known for scenic beauty and biodiversity |
The Evolution of Dams: From Ancient Engineering to Modern Marvels
- The history of dams in India and worldwide dates back to ancient times, with early structures built in Mesopotamia and the Middle East to regulate the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
- The Jawa Dam in Jordan (3000 BCE) is the oldest known dam, featuring a stone wall reinforced by an earthen rampart.
- The Romans advanced dam construction with large reservoir dams, waterproof hydraulic mortar, and Roman concrete, leading to structures like the Lake Homs Dam and Harbaqa Dam in Syria.
- During the Middle Ages, countries like the Netherlands built dams to control water levels and prevent flooding, leading to the formation of cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in dam engineering, including arch dams like the Mir Alam Dam (1804) in Hyderabad, India, built by Henry Russel of the Royal Engineers.
- The modern era of large-scale dams began in 1902 with the Aswan Low Dam on the Nile River, Egypt, marking a major milestone in water management and infrastructure development.
Today, dams in India play a crucial role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply. Some of the most significant ones include the Hirakud Dam in Odisha, Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand, Bhakra Nangal Dam in Himachal Pradesh, and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. These structures highlight India’s engineering excellence and contribution to water resource management, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth.
Drawbacks of Dams
While dams offer numerous benefits, they also come with certain drawbacks that must be considered.
One major concern is the displacement of local communities living near dam sites. In many cases, villages and settlements need to be relocated, which poses significant challenges for both the affected people and government authorities. Though relocation may seem straightforward, it is a complex and difficult process, often involving emotional and cultural ties to the land. Governments must navigate these challenges carefully to minimize the social and economic impact on displaced communities.
Additionally, dams in India have led to environmental concerns such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Large dams like Tehri Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and Hirakud Dam have altered river flows, impacting local fisheries and wildlife. While dams are crucial for development, a balance must be maintained between progress and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
Major dams in India are crucial for the country’s growth. They provide water for farming, generate electricity, and help prevent floods. These dams are key for managing water resources, supporting agriculture, and meeting energy needs. As India continues to develop, these major dams will remain vital for progress and environmental protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many dams are in India?
Ans. According to the National Register in India, 4407 large dams are fully constructed and in working condition while 447 are still under construction. Most of them are found in the northern and southern parts of the country and India comes on the 3rd rank in the list of top 10 countries having the most dams.
Q2. What are the 8 major dams in India?
Ans.The 8 major dams in Inda are Bhavani Sagar Dam (Tamil Nadu) Bhavani river, Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand) Bhagirathi River, Hirakud Dam (Odisha) Mahanadi river, Bhakra Nangal Dam (Himachal Pradesh) Sutlej river, Rihand Dam (Uttar Pradesh) Rihand river, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Andhra Pradesh) Krishna river, Tungabhadra Dam (Karnataka) Tungabhadra river, Koyna Dam (Maharashtra) Biradar river.
Q3. Which is the world’s largest dam?
Ans. The Three Gorges Dam is located in China and is considered the world’s largest dam and hydroelectric facility. It generates the highest amount of electricity in the world and has a capacity of 22,500 MW. The generation of electricity varies according to the climatic changes in the country and the water supply in the river Yangtze.
Q4. Which is India’s smallest dam?
Ans. Cheruthoni Dam is the smallest which is located in the Idukki region of Kerela province. This dam is only 138 meters tall and is a concrete gravity dam. It was constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company and a Canadian consultancy and was given monetary grants by the state of Canada.
Q5. Which is the largest dam in India in 2024?
Ans. The Tehri Dam, located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, is the largest in India. It stands 260.5 meters tall and is an earth-fill and rock-fill dam with a crest length of 575 meters. The dam has a reservoir capacity of 3,540 million cubic meters (MCM) and generates 1,000 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectric power.
Q6. Which is the biggest dam in Asia?
Ans. The Hirakud Dam is constructed across the Mahanadi River, approximately 15 km from Sambalpur in Odisha. It is the longest major earthen dam in Asia, extending 25.8 km including dykes, and spans the Mahanadi River.
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