The Rihand Dam, a major reservoir in India, is constructed on the Son River.

The Son River is one of the major rivers in India, flowing through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. It is a tributary of the Ganges River and plays a significant role in the irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the region. The Rihand Dam is one of the key projects on the Son River, designed to harness the water resources and provide various benefits to the surrounding areas.

Below are the key details about the Rihand Dam and its significance:

Location:
- The Rihand Dam is located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
- It is situated near Pipri village, approximately 65 kilometers upstream from the confluence of the Son and the Renu rivers.

Construction and Features:
- The construction of the Rihand Dam started in 1954 and was completed in 1962.
- It is a concrete gravity dam, standing at a height of 91 meters and having a length of 934 meters.
- The dam has a reservoir capacity of 9.62 billion cubic meters, making it one of the largest artificial lakes in India.
- The catchment area of the dam is around 34,052 square kilometers.

Irrigation Benefits:
- The primary purpose of the Rihand Dam is to provide irrigation facilities to the surrounding agricultural lands.
- The dam's reservoir supplies water for irrigation to several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, including Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, and Singrauli.
- It helps in increasing agricultural productivity, supporting the growth of crops and improving rural livelihoods.

Hydroelectric Power Generation:
- Along with irrigation, the Rihand Dam also generates hydroelectric power.
- It has an installed capacity of 300 MW, which is generated by four turbines.
- The power generated from the dam is supplied to various industries and households in the region, contributing to the overall development of the area.

Environmental Impact:
- The construction of the Rihand Dam has led to the creation of a large reservoir, which has had both positive and negative impacts on the environment.
- The reservoir has provided a habitat for various aquatic species and has also become a popular spot for fishing and boating.
- However, the dam has also resulted in the displacement of several communities and the submergence of forests and agricultural lands.

Overall, the Rihand Dam on the Son River plays a crucial role in irrigation and hydroelectric power generation in the region, contributing to both agricultural and economic development.