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Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi-Purpose Projects in India
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Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi-Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Introduction
Multipurpose river valley projects play a crucial role in India, serving various
purposes such as irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and tourism.
These projects involve the construction of dams to harness the potential of rivers.
As one of the leading producers of hydroelectricity and an agricultural country,
India has a rich history of multipurpose projects. Since the commissioning of the
first hydroelectric project in Darjeeling in 1898, the country has witnessed the
development of several significant projects aimed at boosting agriculture,
electricity production, and overall economic growth. This article explores some of
the major multipurpose river valley projects in India and their key features.
1. Bhakra Nangal Project
The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, situated near Bhakra George in Himachal Pradesh,
stands as one of the tallest straightway gravity dams globally. This joint venture of
the Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments, funded by the Central
Government, serves multiple purposes such as electricity generation, flood
control, silt control, irrigation, soil conservation, and wildlife preservation. The
project primarily consists of two dams: Bhakra Dam and Nangal Dam.
? Bhakra Dam: With a length of 518 meters and a height of 226 meters,
Bhakra Dam boasts a reservoir called Gobind Sagar, which has become a
popular tourist attraction.
? Nangal Dam: Constructed 13 kilometers downstream of the Bhakra Dam,
the Nangal Dam ensures the stability of the river channel. It spans 305
meters in length, 30 meters in height, and 121 meters in width, and is
located in Nangal village of Ropar district. Additionally, the project includes
the Kotla and Ganguwal hydel projects, harnessing the power of the Nagal
channel between Nagal and Ropar to generate hydroelectricity.
2. Damodar Valley Project
Known as the "Sorrow of Bengal," the Damodar River flows through Jharkhand
and West Bengal. In 1948, the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established
as India's first multipurpose river valley project after Independence. Inspired by
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Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi-Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Introduction
Multipurpose river valley projects play a crucial role in India, serving various
purposes such as irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and tourism.
These projects involve the construction of dams to harness the potential of rivers.
As one of the leading producers of hydroelectricity and an agricultural country,
India has a rich history of multipurpose projects. Since the commissioning of the
first hydroelectric project in Darjeeling in 1898, the country has witnessed the
development of several significant projects aimed at boosting agriculture,
electricity production, and overall economic growth. This article explores some of
the major multipurpose river valley projects in India and their key features.
1. Bhakra Nangal Project
The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, situated near Bhakra George in Himachal Pradesh,
stands as one of the tallest straightway gravity dams globally. This joint venture of
the Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments, funded by the Central
Government, serves multiple purposes such as electricity generation, flood
control, silt control, irrigation, soil conservation, and wildlife preservation. The
project primarily consists of two dams: Bhakra Dam and Nangal Dam.
? Bhakra Dam: With a length of 518 meters and a height of 226 meters,
Bhakra Dam boasts a reservoir called Gobind Sagar, which has become a
popular tourist attraction.
? Nangal Dam: Constructed 13 kilometers downstream of the Bhakra Dam,
the Nangal Dam ensures the stability of the river channel. It spans 305
meters in length, 30 meters in height, and 121 meters in width, and is
located in Nangal village of Ropar district. Additionally, the project includes
the Kotla and Ganguwal hydel projects, harnessing the power of the Nagal
channel between Nagal and Ropar to generate hydroelectricity.
2. Damodar Valley Project
Known as the "Sorrow of Bengal," the Damodar River flows through Jharkhand
and West Bengal. In 1948, the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established
as India's first multipurpose river valley project after Independence. Inspired by
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
the Tennessee River Valley Authority in the United States, the Damodar Valley
Project encompasses seven dams across the Damodar River and its tributaries,
along with three thermal power stations.
? Tilaiya Dam: This concrete dam spans the Barakar River in Jharkhand's
Koderma district. Completed in 1953, Tilaiya Dam provides irrigation for
forty thousand hectares of land and helps mitigate floods.
? Konar Dam: Constructed across the Konar River, a tributary of the Damodar
River in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, the Konar Dam was completed in
1955. It also supplies cooling water to the Steel Plant at Bokaro.
? Maithon Dam: Completed in 1958, Maithon Dam is a 56-meter-high
structure built across the Barakar River near its confluence with the
Damodar River in Jharkhand.
? Panchet Dam: Located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, the Panchet
Hill Dam spans the Damodar River. Completed in 1959, it stretches over
2545 meters in length and has a height of 45 meters. Additionally, Aiyar,
Bokaro, and Balpahri dams have been constructed on the Damodar and
Barakar rivers as part of this project.
3. Hirakund Project
Considered the longest dam globally, the Hirakud Dam stretches 14 kilometers
across the Mahanadi River. Its construction began in 1947 and was completed in
1957. The Hirakud Project consists of three dams, namely Hirakud Dam, Tikrapara
Dam, and Naraj Dam. Hirakud Dam lies in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, while
Tikrapara and Naraj dams are located in the Cuttack district.
4. Beas Project
The Beas Project, a significant multipurpose endeavor, represents a collaboration
between the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It comprises two units: the
Beas-Sutlej Link and the Beas Dam at Pong. Construction on this project began in
1961, and the Beas Dam stands as an earthquake-proof structure with a height of
approximately 133 meters. The project aims to address the growing demands for
irrigation and electricity in the region.
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Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi-Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Introduction
Multipurpose river valley projects play a crucial role in India, serving various
purposes such as irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and tourism.
These projects involve the construction of dams to harness the potential of rivers.
As one of the leading producers of hydroelectricity and an agricultural country,
India has a rich history of multipurpose projects. Since the commissioning of the
first hydroelectric project in Darjeeling in 1898, the country has witnessed the
development of several significant projects aimed at boosting agriculture,
electricity production, and overall economic growth. This article explores some of
the major multipurpose river valley projects in India and their key features.
1. Bhakra Nangal Project
The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, situated near Bhakra George in Himachal Pradesh,
stands as one of the tallest straightway gravity dams globally. This joint venture of
the Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments, funded by the Central
Government, serves multiple purposes such as electricity generation, flood
control, silt control, irrigation, soil conservation, and wildlife preservation. The
project primarily consists of two dams: Bhakra Dam and Nangal Dam.
? Bhakra Dam: With a length of 518 meters and a height of 226 meters,
Bhakra Dam boasts a reservoir called Gobind Sagar, which has become a
popular tourist attraction.
? Nangal Dam: Constructed 13 kilometers downstream of the Bhakra Dam,
the Nangal Dam ensures the stability of the river channel. It spans 305
meters in length, 30 meters in height, and 121 meters in width, and is
located in Nangal village of Ropar district. Additionally, the project includes
the Kotla and Ganguwal hydel projects, harnessing the power of the Nagal
channel between Nagal and Ropar to generate hydroelectricity.
2. Damodar Valley Project
Known as the "Sorrow of Bengal," the Damodar River flows through Jharkhand
and West Bengal. In 1948, the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established
as India's first multipurpose river valley project after Independence. Inspired by
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
the Tennessee River Valley Authority in the United States, the Damodar Valley
Project encompasses seven dams across the Damodar River and its tributaries,
along with three thermal power stations.
? Tilaiya Dam: This concrete dam spans the Barakar River in Jharkhand's
Koderma district. Completed in 1953, Tilaiya Dam provides irrigation for
forty thousand hectares of land and helps mitigate floods.
? Konar Dam: Constructed across the Konar River, a tributary of the Damodar
River in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, the Konar Dam was completed in
1955. It also supplies cooling water to the Steel Plant at Bokaro.
? Maithon Dam: Completed in 1958, Maithon Dam is a 56-meter-high
structure built across the Barakar River near its confluence with the
Damodar River in Jharkhand.
? Panchet Dam: Located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, the Panchet
Hill Dam spans the Damodar River. Completed in 1959, it stretches over
2545 meters in length and has a height of 45 meters. Additionally, Aiyar,
Bokaro, and Balpahri dams have been constructed on the Damodar and
Barakar rivers as part of this project.
3. Hirakund Project
Considered the longest dam globally, the Hirakud Dam stretches 14 kilometers
across the Mahanadi River. Its construction began in 1947 and was completed in
1957. The Hirakud Project consists of three dams, namely Hirakud Dam, Tikrapara
Dam, and Naraj Dam. Hirakud Dam lies in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, while
Tikrapara and Naraj dams are located in the Cuttack district.
4. Beas Project
The Beas Project, a significant multipurpose endeavor, represents a collaboration
between the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It comprises two units: the
Beas-Sutlej Link and the Beas Dam at Pong. Construction on this project began in
1961, and the Beas Dam stands as an earthquake-proof structure with a height of
approximately 133 meters. The project aims to address the growing demands for
irrigation and electricity in the region.
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
5. Chambal Valley Project
The Chambal Valley Project, located in Western India, is constructed across the
Chambal River, a tributary of the Yamuna River. This joint venture between the
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments involves the development of three
dams: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam.
? Gandhi Sagar Dam: This dam, situated in Madhya Pradesh, provides
electricity and irrigation to regions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
? Rana Pratap Sagar Dam: Located in the Kota district of Rajasthan, Rana
Pratap Sagar Dam works in conjunction with the Gandhi Sagar Dam to meet
the region's water and power needs.
? Jawahar Sagar Dam: Positioned to the north of the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
in Rajasthan, the Jawahar Sagar Dam plays a vital role in generating
electricity and providing irrigation to the project's catchment area.
6. Kosi Project
The Kosi Project represents a collaborative effort between the Indian and
Nepalese governments to harness the potential of the Kosi River, often referred
to as the "Sorrow of Bihar." A three-mile-long barrage has been constructed near
Hanumannagar in Nepal to control floods, facilitate irrigation through canals, and
generate electricity.
7. Nagarjuna Sagar Project
Spanning the Krishna River, the Nagarjuna Sagar Project is situated on the border
between Nalgonda district in Telangana and Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.
The project includes right and left bank canals named after Jawaharlal Nehru and
Lal Bahadur Shastri, respectively. Additionally, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the
largest masonry dam in India and supplies electricity to several cities, including
Hyderabad, Guntur, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Vijayawada.
8. Rihand Project
The Rihand Project, located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, stands as
the largest multipurpose river valley project in the state. Constructed across the
Rihand River, a tributary of the Son River, this project features a vast reservoir
known as Gobind Ballav Pant Sagar. The Rihand Project, funded by the Central
Page 5
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi-Purpose Projects in India
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
Introduction
Multipurpose river valley projects play a crucial role in India, serving various
purposes such as irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and tourism.
These projects involve the construction of dams to harness the potential of rivers.
As one of the leading producers of hydroelectricity and an agricultural country,
India has a rich history of multipurpose projects. Since the commissioning of the
first hydroelectric project in Darjeeling in 1898, the country has witnessed the
development of several significant projects aimed at boosting agriculture,
electricity production, and overall economic growth. This article explores some of
the major multipurpose river valley projects in India and their key features.
1. Bhakra Nangal Project
The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, situated near Bhakra George in Himachal Pradesh,
stands as one of the tallest straightway gravity dams globally. This joint venture of
the Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments, funded by the Central
Government, serves multiple purposes such as electricity generation, flood
control, silt control, irrigation, soil conservation, and wildlife preservation. The
project primarily consists of two dams: Bhakra Dam and Nangal Dam.
? Bhakra Dam: With a length of 518 meters and a height of 226 meters,
Bhakra Dam boasts a reservoir called Gobind Sagar, which has become a
popular tourist attraction.
? Nangal Dam: Constructed 13 kilometers downstream of the Bhakra Dam,
the Nangal Dam ensures the stability of the river channel. It spans 305
meters in length, 30 meters in height, and 121 meters in width, and is
located in Nangal village of Ropar district. Additionally, the project includes
the Kotla and Ganguwal hydel projects, harnessing the power of the Nagal
channel between Nagal and Ropar to generate hydroelectricity.
2. Damodar Valley Project
Known as the "Sorrow of Bengal," the Damodar River flows through Jharkhand
and West Bengal. In 1948, the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established
as India's first multipurpose river valley project after Independence. Inspired by
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
the Tennessee River Valley Authority in the United States, the Damodar Valley
Project encompasses seven dams across the Damodar River and its tributaries,
along with three thermal power stations.
? Tilaiya Dam: This concrete dam spans the Barakar River in Jharkhand's
Koderma district. Completed in 1953, Tilaiya Dam provides irrigation for
forty thousand hectares of land and helps mitigate floods.
? Konar Dam: Constructed across the Konar River, a tributary of the Damodar
River in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh district, the Konar Dam was completed in
1955. It also supplies cooling water to the Steel Plant at Bokaro.
? Maithon Dam: Completed in 1958, Maithon Dam is a 56-meter-high
structure built across the Barakar River near its confluence with the
Damodar River in Jharkhand.
? Panchet Dam: Located in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, the Panchet
Hill Dam spans the Damodar River. Completed in 1959, it stretches over
2545 meters in length and has a height of 45 meters. Additionally, Aiyar,
Bokaro, and Balpahri dams have been constructed on the Damodar and
Barakar rivers as part of this project.
3. Hirakund Project
Considered the longest dam globally, the Hirakud Dam stretches 14 kilometers
across the Mahanadi River. Its construction began in 1947 and was completed in
1957. The Hirakud Project consists of three dams, namely Hirakud Dam, Tikrapara
Dam, and Naraj Dam. Hirakud Dam lies in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, while
Tikrapara and Naraj dams are located in the Cuttack district.
4. Beas Project
The Beas Project, a significant multipurpose endeavor, represents a collaboration
between the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. It comprises two units: the
Beas-Sutlej Link and the Beas Dam at Pong. Construction on this project began in
1961, and the Beas Dam stands as an earthquake-proof structure with a height of
approximately 133 meters. The project aims to address the growing demands for
irrigation and electricity in the region.
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
5. Chambal Valley Project
The Chambal Valley Project, located in Western India, is constructed across the
Chambal River, a tributary of the Yamuna River. This joint venture between the
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments involves the development of three
dams: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam.
? Gandhi Sagar Dam: This dam, situated in Madhya Pradesh, provides
electricity and irrigation to regions in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
? Rana Pratap Sagar Dam: Located in the Kota district of Rajasthan, Rana
Pratap Sagar Dam works in conjunction with the Gandhi Sagar Dam to meet
the region's water and power needs.
? Jawahar Sagar Dam: Positioned to the north of the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam
in Rajasthan, the Jawahar Sagar Dam plays a vital role in generating
electricity and providing irrigation to the project's catchment area.
6. Kosi Project
The Kosi Project represents a collaborative effort between the Indian and
Nepalese governments to harness the potential of the Kosi River, often referred
to as the "Sorrow of Bihar." A three-mile-long barrage has been constructed near
Hanumannagar in Nepal to control floods, facilitate irrigation through canals, and
generate electricity.
7. Nagarjuna Sagar Project
Spanning the Krishna River, the Nagarjuna Sagar Project is situated on the border
between Nalgonda district in Telangana and Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.
The project includes right and left bank canals named after Jawaharlal Nehru and
Lal Bahadur Shastri, respectively. Additionally, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the
largest masonry dam in India and supplies electricity to several cities, including
Hyderabad, Guntur, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Vijayawada.
8. Rihand Project
The Rihand Project, located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, stands as
the largest multipurpose river valley project in the state. Constructed across the
Rihand River, a tributary of the Son River, this project features a vast reservoir
known as Gobind Ballav Pant Sagar. The Rihand Project, funded by the Central
Major Multi Purpose Projects in India
government, provides electricity to eastern Uttar Pradesh, western Bihar, and
northern Madhya Pradesh while aiding in flood control and soil erosion
prevention in the Son valley.
9. Tehri Dam
The Tehri Dam, situated in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, is Asia's largest and
the world's fifth-largest hydroelectric project. It stands as the tallest dam in India,
with a height of 260 meters. Built across the Bhagirathi River, a tributary of the
Ganges, the Tehri Dam generates an estimated 1000MW of power.
10. Tungabhadra Project
The Tungabhadra Dam, also known as Pampa Sagar, is constructed across the
Tungabhadra River, a right-hand tributary of the Krishna River. This joint project
between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh has its location near Mallapuram, close
to Hospet in the Bellary district of Karnataka. The Tungabhadra canals associated
with the project provide irrigation to over four lakh hectares of arable land.
11. Sardar Sarovar Dam
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built across the Narmada River in Navagam near
Kevadiya, situated in the Narmada district of Gujarat. This concrete dam boasts a
height of 163 meters and serves the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh, and Maharashtra by supplying electricity. It also promotes activities such
as livestock keeping, dairy farming, and animal husbandry.
12. Farakka Barrage
The Farakka Project, located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, is an
essential multipurpose project built across the Ganga River. Its primary objectives
revolve around water transportation and irrigation. The project aims to improve
navigation along the Hooghly River and maintain the Calcutta Port.
These major multipurpose river valley projects in India exemplify the country's
dedication to harnessing the potential of its rivers for various purposes. They
contribute significantly to irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and
overall socio-economic development in their respective regions. Through these
projects, India continues to harness the power of its water resources to fuel
progress and prosperity.
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