Major Dams of India | Oxford Student ATLAS: Maps & Tests - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Map: Dams in India 
Introduction 
Dams play a crucial role in India's infrastructure, contributing to the country's 
development by providing water for irrigation, electricity generation, flood 
control, and more. In this article, we will explore the significant dams in India, 
their names, importance, and distinctive features that make them engineering 
marvels. 
Page 2


Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Map: Dams in India 
Introduction 
Dams play a crucial role in India's infrastructure, contributing to the country's 
development by providing water for irrigation, electricity generation, flood 
control, and more. In this article, we will explore the significant dams in India, 
their names, importance, and distinctive features that make them engineering 
marvels. 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
Why Dams are Essential in India? 
Dams are integral to India's water management and development strategies. With 
over 5,000 dams across the country, 447 of them stand out for their remarkable 
significance. These structures are built across rivers and streams, serving as 
barriers to hold water and create reservoirs for various purposes. 
The key benefits of dams in India include: 
? Irrigation: Dams create reservoirs that provide a steady water supply for 
irrigation, supporting agriculture and ensuring food security. 
? Flood Control: Dams help control floods by regulating the flow of water 
during heavy rainfall or monsoons, safeguarding nearby areas from 
devastating inundations. 
? Hydropower Generation: By harnessing the power of flowing water, dams 
generate hydroelectricity, a clean and renewable energy source. 
? Aquaculture and Navigation: Dams facilitate aquaculture activities, 
supporting both aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, they enable 
navigable waterways for transportation and commerce. 
? Drinking Water and Industries: Dams provide water for domestic and 
industrial use, ensuring a reliable water supply for cities and various 
industries. 
List of All Dams in India 
Here's a comprehensive list of some of the significant dams in India, along with 
their respective states and rivers: 
Northern Region 
? Bhakra Nangal Dam - Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Border (Sutlej River) 
? Nathpa Jhakri Dam - Himachal Pradesh (Satluj River) 
? Baglihar Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Chenab River) 
? Uri Hydroelectric Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Jhelum River) 
Western Region 
? Ukai Dam - Gujarat (Tapti River) 
? Dharoi Dam - Gujarat (Sabarmati River) 
Page 3


Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Map: Dams in India 
Introduction 
Dams play a crucial role in India's infrastructure, contributing to the country's 
development by providing water for irrigation, electricity generation, flood 
control, and more. In this article, we will explore the significant dams in India, 
their names, importance, and distinctive features that make them engineering 
marvels. 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
Why Dams are Essential in India? 
Dams are integral to India's water management and development strategies. With 
over 5,000 dams across the country, 447 of them stand out for their remarkable 
significance. These structures are built across rivers and streams, serving as 
barriers to hold water and create reservoirs for various purposes. 
The key benefits of dams in India include: 
? Irrigation: Dams create reservoirs that provide a steady water supply for 
irrigation, supporting agriculture and ensuring food security. 
? Flood Control: Dams help control floods by regulating the flow of water 
during heavy rainfall or monsoons, safeguarding nearby areas from 
devastating inundations. 
? Hydropower Generation: By harnessing the power of flowing water, dams 
generate hydroelectricity, a clean and renewable energy source. 
? Aquaculture and Navigation: Dams facilitate aquaculture activities, 
supporting both aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, they enable 
navigable waterways for transportation and commerce. 
? Drinking Water and Industries: Dams provide water for domestic and 
industrial use, ensuring a reliable water supply for cities and various 
industries. 
List of All Dams in India 
Here's a comprehensive list of some of the significant dams in India, along with 
their respective states and rivers: 
Northern Region 
? Bhakra Nangal Dam - Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Border (Sutlej River) 
? Nathpa Jhakri Dam - Himachal Pradesh (Satluj River) 
? Baglihar Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Chenab River) 
? Uri Hydroelectric Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Jhelum River) 
Western Region 
? Ukai Dam - Gujarat (Tapti River) 
? Dharoi Dam - Gujarat (Sabarmati River) 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
? Kadana dam - Gujarat (Mahi River) 
? Sardar Sarovar Dam - Gujarat (Narmada River) 
Southern Region 
? Krishna Raja Sagara Dam - Karnataka (Kaveri River) 
? Alamatti Dam - Karnataka (Krishna River) 
? Mettur Dam - Tamil Nadu (Kaveri River) 
? Idukki Dam - Kerala (Periyar River) 
Eastern Region 
? Hirakud Dam - Odisha (Mahanadi River) 
? Maithon Dam - Jharkhand (Barakar River) 
? Gangapur Dam - Maharashtra (Godavari River) 
? Jayakwadi Dam - Maharashtra (Godavari River) 
Central Region 
? Bargi Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Narmada River) 
? Gandhi Sagar Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Chambal River) 
North-Eastern Region 
? Jalaput Dam - Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Border (Machkund River) 
? Indravati Dam - Odisha (Indravati River) 
List of Important Dams in India 2023 
The following dams hold significant importance in India as of 2023: 
? Bhavani Sagar Dam - Tamil Nadu (Bhavani River) 
? Krishnarajasagar Dam - Karnataka (Kaveri River) 
? Indira Sagar Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Narmada River) 
? Cheruthoni Dam - Kerala (Cheruthoni River) 
Noteworthy Features of Dams in India 
The dams in India contribute to the nation's progress and serve diverse purposes. 
Here are some notable features of Indian dams: 
Page 4


Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Map: Dams in India 
Introduction 
Dams play a crucial role in India's infrastructure, contributing to the country's 
development by providing water for irrigation, electricity generation, flood 
control, and more. In this article, we will explore the significant dams in India, 
their names, importance, and distinctive features that make them engineering 
marvels. 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
Why Dams are Essential in India? 
Dams are integral to India's water management and development strategies. With 
over 5,000 dams across the country, 447 of them stand out for their remarkable 
significance. These structures are built across rivers and streams, serving as 
barriers to hold water and create reservoirs for various purposes. 
The key benefits of dams in India include: 
? Irrigation: Dams create reservoirs that provide a steady water supply for 
irrigation, supporting agriculture and ensuring food security. 
? Flood Control: Dams help control floods by regulating the flow of water 
during heavy rainfall or monsoons, safeguarding nearby areas from 
devastating inundations. 
? Hydropower Generation: By harnessing the power of flowing water, dams 
generate hydroelectricity, a clean and renewable energy source. 
? Aquaculture and Navigation: Dams facilitate aquaculture activities, 
supporting both aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, they enable 
navigable waterways for transportation and commerce. 
? Drinking Water and Industries: Dams provide water for domestic and 
industrial use, ensuring a reliable water supply for cities and various 
industries. 
List of All Dams in India 
Here's a comprehensive list of some of the significant dams in India, along with 
their respective states and rivers: 
Northern Region 
? Bhakra Nangal Dam - Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Border (Sutlej River) 
? Nathpa Jhakri Dam - Himachal Pradesh (Satluj River) 
? Baglihar Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Chenab River) 
? Uri Hydroelectric Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Jhelum River) 
Western Region 
? Ukai Dam - Gujarat (Tapti River) 
? Dharoi Dam - Gujarat (Sabarmati River) 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
? Kadana dam - Gujarat (Mahi River) 
? Sardar Sarovar Dam - Gujarat (Narmada River) 
Southern Region 
? Krishna Raja Sagara Dam - Karnataka (Kaveri River) 
? Alamatti Dam - Karnataka (Krishna River) 
? Mettur Dam - Tamil Nadu (Kaveri River) 
? Idukki Dam - Kerala (Periyar River) 
Eastern Region 
? Hirakud Dam - Odisha (Mahanadi River) 
? Maithon Dam - Jharkhand (Barakar River) 
? Gangapur Dam - Maharashtra (Godavari River) 
? Jayakwadi Dam - Maharashtra (Godavari River) 
Central Region 
? Bargi Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Narmada River) 
? Gandhi Sagar Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Chambal River) 
North-Eastern Region 
? Jalaput Dam - Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Border (Machkund River) 
? Indravati Dam - Odisha (Indravati River) 
List of Important Dams in India 2023 
The following dams hold significant importance in India as of 2023: 
? Bhavani Sagar Dam - Tamil Nadu (Bhavani River) 
? Krishnarajasagar Dam - Karnataka (Kaveri River) 
? Indira Sagar Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Narmada River) 
? Cheruthoni Dam - Kerala (Cheruthoni River) 
Noteworthy Features of Dams in India 
The dams in India contribute to the nation's progress and serve diverse purposes. 
Here are some notable features of Indian dams: 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Highest Dam in India: Tehri Dam 
The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand holds the distinction of being the tallest dam in 
India, standing at an impressive height of 260.5 meters. It ranks 12th among the 
tallest dams worldwide. Located on the Bhagirathi River in New Tehri, the dam 
spans 575 meters in length. The initial phase of Tehri Dam construction was 
completed in 2006, making it a crucial part of the Tehri hydropower complex 
managed by THDC India Ltd. 
Longest Dam in India: Hirakud Dam 
Stretching over a total length of 25.79 kilometers, the Hirakud Dam in Odisha 
claims the title of the longest dam in India. It also secures a place among the top 
ten longest dams globally. Built across the Mahanadi River, the main dam alone 
measures 4.8 kilometers in length. Completed in 1953, the Hirakud Dam has 
played a vital role in flood control and irrigation management. 
Oldest Dam in India: Kallanai Dam 
The Kallanai Dam, situated on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu, holds the distinction 
of being the oldest dam in India. It has a rich history, with construction believed 
to have taken place between 100 BC and 100 AD. Managed by the Tamil Nadu 
government, the Kallanai Dam stands as a testament to the engineering prowess 
of ancient India. 
Top 5 Dams in India 
The following dams are noteworthy for their size, capacity, and overall 
significance: 
? Tehri Dam: Located in Uttarakhand, this dam stands as India's tallest, with a 
height of 260.5 meters. It has a length of 575 meters, a rock fill structure, a 
reservoir capacity of 21,00,000 acre-feet, and an installed capacity of 1000 
Megawatts. 
? Bhakra Nangal Dam: Situated on the border of Himachal Pradesh and 
Punjab, this concrete gravity dam has a height of 226 meters and a length 
Page 5


Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Map: Dams in India 
Introduction 
Dams play a crucial role in India's infrastructure, contributing to the country's 
development by providing water for irrigation, electricity generation, flood 
control, and more. In this article, we will explore the significant dams in India, 
their names, importance, and distinctive features that make them engineering 
marvels. 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
Why Dams are Essential in India? 
Dams are integral to India's water management and development strategies. With 
over 5,000 dams across the country, 447 of them stand out for their remarkable 
significance. These structures are built across rivers and streams, serving as 
barriers to hold water and create reservoirs for various purposes. 
The key benefits of dams in India include: 
? Irrigation: Dams create reservoirs that provide a steady water supply for 
irrigation, supporting agriculture and ensuring food security. 
? Flood Control: Dams help control floods by regulating the flow of water 
during heavy rainfall or monsoons, safeguarding nearby areas from 
devastating inundations. 
? Hydropower Generation: By harnessing the power of flowing water, dams 
generate hydroelectricity, a clean and renewable energy source. 
? Aquaculture and Navigation: Dams facilitate aquaculture activities, 
supporting both aquatic plants and animals. Additionally, they enable 
navigable waterways for transportation and commerce. 
? Drinking Water and Industries: Dams provide water for domestic and 
industrial use, ensuring a reliable water supply for cities and various 
industries. 
List of All Dams in India 
Here's a comprehensive list of some of the significant dams in India, along with 
their respective states and rivers: 
Northern Region 
? Bhakra Nangal Dam - Himachal Pradesh and Punjab Border (Sutlej River) 
? Nathpa Jhakri Dam - Himachal Pradesh (Satluj River) 
? Baglihar Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Chenab River) 
? Uri Hydroelectric Dam - Jammu and Kashmir (Jhelum River) 
Western Region 
? Ukai Dam - Gujarat (Tapti River) 
? Dharoi Dam - Gujarat (Sabarmati River) 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
? Kadana dam - Gujarat (Mahi River) 
? Sardar Sarovar Dam - Gujarat (Narmada River) 
Southern Region 
? Krishna Raja Sagara Dam - Karnataka (Kaveri River) 
? Alamatti Dam - Karnataka (Krishna River) 
? Mettur Dam - Tamil Nadu (Kaveri River) 
? Idukki Dam - Kerala (Periyar River) 
Eastern Region 
? Hirakud Dam - Odisha (Mahanadi River) 
? Maithon Dam - Jharkhand (Barakar River) 
? Gangapur Dam - Maharashtra (Godavari River) 
? Jayakwadi Dam - Maharashtra (Godavari River) 
Central Region 
? Bargi Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Narmada River) 
? Gandhi Sagar Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Chambal River) 
North-Eastern Region 
? Jalaput Dam - Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Border (Machkund River) 
? Indravati Dam - Odisha (Indravati River) 
List of Important Dams in India 2023 
The following dams hold significant importance in India as of 2023: 
? Bhavani Sagar Dam - Tamil Nadu (Bhavani River) 
? Krishnarajasagar Dam - Karnataka (Kaveri River) 
? Indira Sagar Dam - Madhya Pradesh (Narmada River) 
? Cheruthoni Dam - Kerala (Cheruthoni River) 
Noteworthy Features of Dams in India 
The dams in India contribute to the nation's progress and serve diverse purposes. 
Here are some notable features of Indian dams: 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
 
Highest Dam in India: Tehri Dam 
The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand holds the distinction of being the tallest dam in 
India, standing at an impressive height of 260.5 meters. It ranks 12th among the 
tallest dams worldwide. Located on the Bhagirathi River in New Tehri, the dam 
spans 575 meters in length. The initial phase of Tehri Dam construction was 
completed in 2006, making it a crucial part of the Tehri hydropower complex 
managed by THDC India Ltd. 
Longest Dam in India: Hirakud Dam 
Stretching over a total length of 25.79 kilometers, the Hirakud Dam in Odisha 
claims the title of the longest dam in India. It also secures a place among the top 
ten longest dams globally. Built across the Mahanadi River, the main dam alone 
measures 4.8 kilometers in length. Completed in 1953, the Hirakud Dam has 
played a vital role in flood control and irrigation management. 
Oldest Dam in India: Kallanai Dam 
The Kallanai Dam, situated on the Kaveri River in Tamil Nadu, holds the distinction 
of being the oldest dam in India. It has a rich history, with construction believed 
to have taken place between 100 BC and 100 AD. Managed by the Tamil Nadu 
government, the Kallanai Dam stands as a testament to the engineering prowess 
of ancient India. 
Top 5 Dams in India 
The following dams are noteworthy for their size, capacity, and overall 
significance: 
? Tehri Dam: Located in Uttarakhand, this dam stands as India's tallest, with a 
height of 260.5 meters. It has a length of 575 meters, a rock fill structure, a 
reservoir capacity of 21,00,000 acre-feet, and an installed capacity of 1000 
Megawatts. 
? Bhakra Nangal Dam: Situated on the border of Himachal Pradesh and 
Punjab, this concrete gravity dam has a height of 226 meters and a length 
Major Dams of India 
 
 
of 520 meters. With a reservoir capacity of 75,01,775 acre-feet, it generates 
1325 Megawatts of power. 
? Hirakud Dam: Located in Odisha, this composite dam stretches 4.8 
kilometers in length and has a height of 61 meters. It boasts a reservoir 
capacity of 47,79,965 acre-feet and an installed capacity of 347.5 
Megawatts. 
? Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Situated in Telangana, this masonry dam holds the 
distinction of being India's largest. It stretches 1.55 kilometers in length, 
has a height of 124 meters, and a reservoir capacity of 93,71,845 acre-feet. 
Its installed capacity is 816 Megawatts. 
? Sardar Sarovar Dam: Located in Gujarat, this gravity dam on the Narmada 
River has a height of 163 meters and a length of 1210 meters. With a 
reservoir capacity of 77,00,000 acre-feet, it generates 1450 Megawatts of 
power. 
These dams exemplify the grandeur of India's water management infrastructure, 
catering to the needs of millions while driving the country's growth. 
Conclusion 
Dams in India serve as essential structures that contribute to water conservation, 
irrigation, flood control, and electricity generation. From the towering heights of 
the Tehri Dam to the historical significance of the Kallanai Dam, each dam 
represents a remarkable engineering feat. The top dams in India, such as Bhakra 
Nangal Dam, Hirakud Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, and Sardar Sarovar Dam, 
continue to support India's development and enhance the livelihoods of its 
people. As India's water management systems evolve, these dams stand as 
testaments to the nation's progress in harnessing the power of its rivers.