India’s extensive network of major dams in India plays a pivotal role in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable development and resource management. With over 4300 large dams already constructed and numerous projects in the pipeline, these structures are vital for addressing the country’s growing energy demands and ensuring efficient water management for agriculture and industry.
Major dams in India serve as reservoirs of water and sources of hydroelectric power, harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing rivers to generate electricity. This hydroelectric power not only contributes significantly to India’s energy mix but also facilitates agricultural advancement through irrigation across vast tracts of arable land.
Icons like Bhakra-Nangal and Sardar Sarovar exemplify India’s commitment to leveraging hydro resources for development.Moreover, these major dams in India play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks by regulating river flow during monsoon seasons, thus safeguarding lives and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.
However, despite their benefits, major dams in India present challenges such as displacement of communities, environmental concerns, and sedimentation issues.It is imperative for India to prioritize sustainable management practices for its major dams in India, including ecosystem-based approaches and community participation, to mitigate these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of major dam projects.
Unveiling the History of Dams: From Ancient Marvels to Modern Wonders
Dams: Ancient Innovations
Dams, barriers restricting water flow, have been crucial for civilizations worldwide. They create reservoirs for various purposes, from flood control to irrigation. The term “dam” traces its roots to Middle English and Middle Dutch.
Early Engineering Feats
Ancient civilizations showcased remarkable ingenuity in dam construction. Examples include the Jawa Dam in Jordan and Egypt’s Sadd-el-Kafara Dam. India’s Dholavira featured an intricate water management system with numerous dams and reservoirs.
Revolutionary Advancements
Roman engineers revolutionized dam construction with advanced techniques and materials. They introduced various dam types, including arch-gravity dams and buttress dams. The Middle Ages saw the Netherlands building dams to regulate water levels.
The Era of Large Dams
The 20th century saw the rise of large-scale dam projects. The Aswan Low Dam in Egypt marked the beginning, followed by the monumental Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. By 1997, the global count of dams had reached an estimated 800,000.
Looking Ahead
From ancient marvels to modern wonders, the history of dams reflects human innovation in water management. As we move forward, dams remain crucial for sustainable development and resource management, guiding us towards a more resilient and water-secure future.
Understanding the Various Types of Dams
By Structure
Dams come in various forms, each designed for specific purposes and constructed using different materials. Here’s a breakdown of the main types based on their structure and material used:
Arch Dams:
- Arch dams curve upstream and rely on a combination of arch and gravity action for stability.
- They are ideal for narrow canyons with steep, stable rock walls.
- Types include constant-angle and constant-radius dams, each with unique design features.
Gravity Dams:
- Gravity dams use the weight of the structure itself to hold back water, resisting the pressure through Earth’s gravity.
- The shape of the dam prevents tension in the upstream face, ensuring stability.
- They can be classified as solid or hollow, typically made of concrete or masonry.
Arch-Gravity Dams:
- These dams combine characteristics of both arch and gravity dams, reducing the gravitational force required for stability.
Barrages:
- Barrage dams feature large gates to control water flow, often used for irrigation systems.
- They stabilize river water elevation upstream and prevent tidal incursions in coastal areas.
Embankment Dams:
- Embankment dams are made of compacted earth or rock-fill, relying on their weight to resist water pressure.
- They can be rock-fill or earth-fill dams, suitable for various terrains.
Other Types:
- Saddle Dams: Auxiliary dams constructed to control reservoir elevation or limit its extent.
- Weirs: Small dams used for water abstraction or flow measurement in rivers.
- Check Dams: Designed to reduce flow velocity and control soil erosion.
- Dry Dams: Structures to control flooding, allowing free flow of water except during intense periods.
- Diversionary Dams: Redirect water from its natural course for irrigation or hydroelectric power.
- Underground Dams: Trapping groundwater for extended use, often used in arid regions.
By Size
Large Dams:
- Defined as those over 15 meters in height or impounding more than 3 million cubic meters of water.
- Play a significant role in energy production and water resource management.
Small Dams:
- Have multiple uses, including hydropower production, flood protection, and water storage.
- Can benefit rural development without displacing communities.
Non-Jurisdictional Dams:
- Excluded from certain legal regulations based on size criteria, posing risks due to lack of regulation.
- More research needed to understand their environmental impact and potential hazards.
By Use
Saddle Dams, Weirs, and Check Dams:
- Serve specific purposes such as controlling reservoir elevation, water abstraction, and erosion control.
Dry Dams and Diversionary Dams:
- Manage flooding and redirect water for irrigation or power generation.
Underground Dams:
- Store groundwater efficiently in regions with minimal water resources.
Natural Dams:
- Formed by geological forces like lava flows, glacial activity, earthquakes, and landslides.
- Pose significant hazards to human settlements and infrastructure.
Beaver Dams:
- Created by beavers primarily for habitat and food access, influencing local ecosystems.
Below are notable characteristics of significant major dams in India:-
- Tehri Dam
- Highest Dam in India
- Height: 260.5 meters
- Length: 575 meters
- River: Bhagirathi River
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Year of completion: 2006 (1st phase)
- Hirakud Dam
- Longest Dam in India
- Total Length: 25.79 km (16.03 mi)
- Length of Main Dam: 4.8 km (3.0 mi)
- River: Mahanadi
- Location: Odisha
- Year of completion: 1953
- Kallanai Dam
- Oldest Dam in India
- River: Kaveri
- Location: Tamil Nadu
- Year of completion: 100 BC – 100 AD
These Major Dams in India, represent engineering marvels and are significant landmarks in India’s infrastructure development, contributing to irrigation, hydroelectricity generation, flood control, and water supply.
List of Major Dams in India-
- Tehri Dam
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Type: Earth and rock-fill dam
- Height: 260.5 meters
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, and flood control.
- Fact: Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and the tallest in India. It has a reservoir capacity of over 4 billion cubic meters.
- Bhakra Dam
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 226 meters
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, and flood control.
- Fact: Bhakra Dam forms the Gobind Sagar reservoir, which is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India, with a capacity of over 9 billion cubic meters.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Location: Gujarat
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 163 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectricity generation, and drinking water supply.
- Fact: Sardar Sarovar Dam is the largest dam and a part of the Narmada Valley Project. It has a power generation capacity of 1,450 MW.
- Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
- Location: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (on the Krishna River)
- Type: Masonry gravity dam
- Height: 124 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the earliest major irrigation and hydroelectric projects in India. It has one of the largest capacities among dams in India, with a reservoir capacity of over 11 billion cubic meters.
- Hirakud Dam
- Location: Odisha (on the Mahanadi River)
- Type: Earthfill dam
- Height: 60.96 meters
- Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world, stretching over 25.8 km. It supplies water for irrigation to an area of about 7,500 square kilometers.
- Indira Sagar Dam
- Location: Madhya Pradesh (on the Narmada River)
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 92 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Indira Sagar Dam is the largest reservoir in India in terms of storage capacity, with a capacity of over 12 billion cubic meters.
- Mettur Dam
- Location: Tamil Nadu (on the Cauvery River)
- Type: Masonry gravity dam
- Height: 120.96 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Mettur Dam, completed in 1934, is one of the oldest dams in India. It irrigates over 2 million acres of farmland in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu.
- Bhavanisagar Dam
- Location: Tamil Nadu (on the Bhavani River)
- Type: Earthen and masonry dam
- Height: 32 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Bhavanisagar Dam is a key reservoir in Tamil Nadu, providing water for agriculture and drinking purposes. It has a storage capacity of about 1.92 billion cubic meters.
- Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Dam
- Location: Tamil Nadu (on the Ponnaiyar River)
- Type: Earthfill dam
- Height: 41 meters
- Purpose: Industrial water supply, cooling water reservoir for thermal power plant.
- Fact: Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Dam serves as a crucial water source for industrial activities in the Neyveli region, supporting the operations of Neyveli Lignite Corporation.
- Idukki Dam
- Location: Kerala (on the Periyar River)
- Type: Double curvature arch dam
- Height: 168.91 meters
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity generation, water storage.
- Fact: Idukki Dam is the first arch dam in India and the largest arch dam in Asia. It has an installed capacity of 780 MW and contributes significantly to the power needs of Kerala.
- Krishna Raja Sagara Dam (KRS Dam)
- Location: Karnataka (on the Kaveri River)
- Type: Masonry gravity dam
- Height: 49 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, drinking water supply.
- Fact: Krishna Raja Sagara Dam, built in 1932, is one of the oldest dams in India. It provides water for irrigation to over 1.2 million acres of land and supplies drinking water to several cities in Karnataka.
- Lakhwar Dam
- Location: Uttarakhand (on the Yamuna River)
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 204 meters
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, drinking water supply.
- Fact: Lakhwar Dam is a part of the Yamuna River Development Project aimed at controlling floods in the region. It has a storage capacity of about 330 million cubic meters.
- Nathpa Jhakri Dam
- Location: Himachal Pradesh (on the Satluj River)
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 185 meters
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Nathpa Jhakri Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India and the largest in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It has an installed capacity of 1,500 MW.
- Tungabhadra Dam
- Location: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (on the Tungabhadra River)
- Type: Earthen dam
- Height: 49.38 meters
- Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectricity generation.
- Fact: Tungabhadra Dam is a joint project between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It has a reservoir capacity of about 132 thousand million cubic feet and provides water for irrigation to over 1.5 million acres of land.
- Rihand Dam
- Location: Uttar Pradesh (on the Rihand River, a tributary of the Son River)
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 91.44 meters
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, and drinking water supply.
- Fact: Rihand Dam, also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, is one of the largest reservoirs in India by volume. It has an installed capacity of 300 MW and irrigates over 1 million hectares of land in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
State Wise Major Dams in India:-
| State | Major Dams in India |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Nagarjuna Sagar Dam |
| Srisailam Dam | |
| Pulichintala Dam | |
| Somasila Dam | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Subansiri Lower Dam |
| Dibang Dam | |
| Kameng Dam | |
| Assam | Karbi Langpi Dam |
| Kopili Dam | |
| Subansiri Dam | |
| Bihar | Koshi Barrage |
| Farakka Barrage | |
| Bagmati Barrage | |
| Chhattisgarh | Indravati Dam |
| Hasdeo Bango Dam | |
| Dudhawa Dam | |
| Gujarat | Sardar Sarovar Dam |
| Ukai Dam | |
| Dantiwada Dam | |
| Dharoi Dam | |
| Himachal Pradesh | Bhakra Dam |
| Chamera Dam | |
| Nathpa Jhakri Dam | |
| Pong Dam | |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Baglihar Dam |
| Salal Dam | |
| Dulhasti Dam | |
| Karnataka | Almatti Dam |
| Tungabhadra Dam | |
| Krishnarajasagar Dam | |
| Linganamakki Dam | |
| Kerala | Idukki Dam |
| Mullaperiyar Dam | |
| Malampuzha Dam | |
| Periyar Dam | |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bargi Dam |
| Indira Sagar Dam | |
| Omkareshwar Dam | |
| Tawa Dam | |
| Gandhi Sagar Dam | |
| Maharashtra | Koyna Dam |
| Jayakwadi Dam | |
| Bhandardara Dam | |
| Wilson Dam | |
| Odisha | Hirakud Dam |
| Upper Kolab Dam | |
| Mandira Dam | |
| Balimela Dam | |
| Punjab | Bhakra Dam |
| Ranjit Sagar Dam | |
| Hussainiwala Barrage | |
| Rajasthan | Rana Pratap Sagar Dam |
| Jawai Dam | |
| Bisalpur Dam | |
| Tamil Nadu | Mettur Dam |
| Mullaperiyar Dam (shared with Kerala) | |
| Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP) Dam | |
| Telangana | Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (shared with Andhra Pradesh) |
| Srisailam Dam (shared with Andhra Pradesh) | |
| Sriram Sagar Dam | |
| Lower Manair Dam | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Tehri Dam |
| Rihand Dam | |
| Matatila Dam | |
| Kanpur Barrage | |
| Uttarakhand | Tehri Dam |
| Ramganga Dam | |
| Dharasu Dam | |
| West Bengal | Farakka Barrage (shared with Bihar) |
| Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) Dams | |
| Maithon Dam | |
| Panchet Dam | |
| Tilaiya Dam |
Source: Wiki