THE BIGGEST DAMS OF INDIA - Water Resources Video Lecture - Class 10

Ans. The biggest dams in India are: 1. Tehri Dam: Located in Uttarakhand, it is the tallest dam in India and one of the largest in the world. 2. Bhakra Nangal Dam: Situated in Himachal Pradesh, it is the second tallest dam in India and provides water and electricity to multiple states. 3. Sardar Sarovar Dam: Built on the Narmada River in Gujarat, it is the largest dam in terms of volume of concrete used. 4. Hirakud Dam: Located in Odisha, it is the longest dam in India, built across the Mahanadi River. 5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam: Constructed on the Krishna River in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it is one of the largest dams in the world.

Ans. The purpose of these dams is to: 1. Generate hydroelectric power: Dams harness the power of flowing water to generate electricity, which helps in meeting the growing energy demands of the country. 2. Irrigation: Dams store water and release it as per agricultural requirements, allowing farmers to irrigate their fields and enhance agricultural productivity. 3. Flood control: Dams regulate the flow of rivers during heavy rainfall and prevent flooding in downstream areas. 4. Drinking water supply: Dams provide a reliable source of clean drinking water to nearby towns and cities. 5. Industrial usage: Dams supply water for various industrial activities like manufacturing, mining, and thermal power plants.

Ans. These dams play a crucial role in water resource management in India by: 1. Storage of water: Dams store excess water during the monsoon season and release it during dry periods, ensuring a steady water supply throughout the year. 2. Regulation of river flow: Dams regulate the flow of rivers, preventing floods during heavy rainfall and ensuring a constant supply of water for various purposes. 3. Recharge of groundwater: Dams facilitate the recharge of groundwater by releasing water into the rivers, which percolates into the ground and replenishes underground water sources. 4. Meeting water demands: Dams provide water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes, catering to the water demands of a growing population and economy. 5. Conservation of water: Dams help in conserving water by preventing wastage and enabling efficient utilization through controlled release and distribution.

Ans. Yes, there are certain environmental concerns associated with these dams, including: 1. Displacement of people: Construction of large dams often leads to the displacement of local communities, causing social and economic disruptions. 2. Loss of biodiversity: Dams alter the natural flow of rivers, submerge forests and habitats, leading to the loss of biodiversity and affecting aquatic ecosystems. 3. Sedimentation: Dams trap sediment flowing in rivers, resulting in the downstream areas receiving lesser sediments, affecting the fertility of agricultural lands and river ecosystems. 4. Methane emissions: The reservoirs created by dams can lead to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. 5. Seismic risks: Construction of dams in seismically active zones can increase the risk of earthquakes and associated hazards.

Ans. These dams contribute to the development of India's economy in multiple ways, such as: 1. Electricity generation: Dams provide a significant source of hydroelectric power, which is a clean and renewable energy source, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development. 2. Irrigation and agriculture: Dams support irrigation, enabling farmers to cultivate multiple crops throughout the year, improving agricultural productivity, and contributing to food security. 3. Industrial growth: Dams supply water for various industrial activities like manufacturing, mining, and thermal power plants, fostering industrial growth and employment opportunities. 4. Tourism and recreation: Many dams and their reservoirs have become popular tourist attractions, attracting visitors and generating revenue for local communities through tourism-related activities. 5. Water supply and infrastructure: Dams provide a reliable source of clean drinking water to nearby towns and cities, facilitating urban development and improving the quality of life for the residents.