India, with its vast and varied topography, is home to numerous dams that play a pivotal role in the country’s development. These structures are not merely about holding back water; they serve multiple purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply. Here’s a look at the top 10 multi-purpose dams in India, which stand as engineering marvels and vital assets for the nation.
1. Bhakra Nangal Dam
Located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, the Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of India’s largest and most important multi-purpose dams. Completed in 1963, it provides irrigation to the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It also supports hydroelectric power generation, significantly contributing to the national grid. Additionally, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and drinking water supply.
2. Sardar Sarovar Dam
The Sardar Sarovar Dam, situated on the Narmada River in Gujarat, is an iconic project under the Narmada Valley Development Plan. Officially inaugurated in 2017, this dam is pivotal for irrigation, power generation, and drinking water supply in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. It boasts a height of 163 meters and helps in controlling floods and providing water for over 40 million people.
3. Hirakud Dam
Spanning the Mahanadi River in Odisha, the Hirakud Dam is one of the world’s longest earthen dams. Completed in 1957, it is crucial for flood control in the Mahanadi basin and supports irrigation in the delta region. Besides its role in agriculture, it also provides hydroelectric power and drinking water to the surrounding areas.
4. Tungabhadra Dam
Situated on the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River, the Tungabhadra Dam is located in Karnataka. Completed in 1953, this dam serves multiple purposes including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. It plays a significant role in agriculture for the regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
5. Narmada Dam
Also known as the Narmada Valley Project, the Narmada Dam is another crucial project on the Narmada River. It is integral for irrigation, power generation, and flood control in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. The dam’s extensive reservoir supports agriculture in the dry areas of Gujarat and also provides drinking water to several regions.
6. Krishna Raja Sagara Dam
Built across the Kaveri River in Karnataka, the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam was completed in 1931. This dam is essential for irrigation in the Mysore region and also supports hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir created by the dam, known as the KRS Lake, is a popular tourist attraction and a critical water source for both agricultural and urban areas.
7. Mettur Dam
Located on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu, the Mettur Dam is an engineering marvel of its time, completed in 1934. It is vital for irrigation in the delta regions of Tamil Nadu and also supports hydroelectric power generation. The dam plays a key role in flood control and provides water for drinking and industrial purposes.
8. Dhebar Lake Dam
Also known as the Jaisamand Dam, this structure is located on the Gomti River in Rajasthan. Completed in 1966, the Dhebar Lake Dam is the second largest artificial lake in Asia. It serves multiple functions including irrigation, water supply, and fish farming. The dam’s reservoir supports agriculture and helps in managing water resources in the arid region of Rajasthan.
9. Rihand Dam
Constructed on the Rihand River in Uttar Pradesh, the Rihand Dam is a significant multi-purpose structure completed in 1962. It is an essential source of irrigation for the region and supports hydroelectric power generation. The dam also plays a crucial role in flood control and provides water for drinking and industrial needs.
10. Indira Sagar Dam
Located on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, the Indira Sagar Dam is a large-scale project completed in 2005. It provides substantial irrigation benefits, supports hydroelectric power generation, and assists in flood control. The dam’s reservoir plays a crucial role in water supply for both agricultural and urban areas in Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion
These top 10 multi-purpose dams in India are more than just structures; they are lifelines for millions of people. They contribute significantly to agriculture, power generation, flood control, and water supply, driving the nation’s growth and development. Each dam reflects the advanced engineering and strategic planning necessary to manage India’s diverse water resources effectively. As India continues to develop, these dams will remain central to ensuring sustainable and efficient water management across the country.