Top 10 Biggest Dam in India
India is home to some of the largest dams in the world, playing a crucial role in the country’s water management and power generation. These engineering marvels have transformed the Indian landscape, taming rivers and creating vast reservoirs. The top 10 biggest dams in India showcase the nation’s prowess in harnessing water resources for various purposes.
S.No. |
Dam |
State |
|
1 |
Tehri Dam (260.5 m) |
Uttarakhand |
|
2 |
Bhakra Dam (226 m) |
Himachal Pradesh |
|
3 |
Idukki Dam (168.91 m) |
Kerala |
|
4 |
Koldam Dam (167 m) |
Himachal Pradesh |
|
5 |
Sardar Sarovar Dam (163 m) |
Gujarat |
|
6 |
Ranjit Sagar Dam (160 m) |
Punjab |
|
7 |
Srisailam Dam (145.10 m) |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
8 |
Chamera Dam (140 m) |
Himachal Pradesh |
|
9 |
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (124 m) |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
10 |
Koyna Dam (103 m) |
Maharashtra |
These dams are spread across different regions of India and have become landmarks of human achievement. They not only provide essential irrigation for agriculture but also generate significant amounts of hydroelectric power. These feats of engineering have not only helped control floods but have also facilitated water supply to urban areas and industries.
The construction of these massive structures involved extensive planning, engineering expertise, and years of dedicated work. The reservoirs created by these dams have not only enhanced the scenic beauty of the surroundings but have also become popular tourist destinations. Some of these dams even house wildlife sanctuaries, attracting nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
Which are the top 10 biggest dams in India?
The top 10 biggest dams in India are testaments to the nation’s commitment to harnessing its water resources efficiently. These mammoth structures represent a fusion of technology, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of human endeavour. As India continues to grow and develop, these dams remain instrumental in meeting its water and power demands, playing a vital role in the country’s progress.
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1. Tehri Dam (260.5 m) – Uttarakhand
The Tehri Dam is one of the largest dams in India, located in Uttarakhand. It stands at an impressive height of 260.5 meters, making it one of the tallest dams in the country. The dam is built on the Bhagirathi River, which is one of the main tributaries of the Ganges.
The Tehri Dam serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and flood control. It has a total installed capacity of 1,000 megawatts, making it an important source of electricity for the region. The dam also helps regulate the flow of water, reducing the risk of floods downstream during heavy rainfall.
The reservoir formed by the Tehri Dam, known as the Tehri Lake, is a popular tourist attraction. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and provides opportunities for water sports and boating. The dam has also led to the development of the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, which has played a crucial role in the growth of the region.
2. Bhakra Dam (226 m) – Himachal Pradesh
The Bhakra Dam, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is another prominent dam in India. With a height of 226 meters, it ranks among the tallest dams in the country. The dam is constructed on the Sutlej River, one of the major rivers in northern India.
The Bhakra Dam serves multiple purposes, primarily irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. It has a total power capacity of 1,325 megawatts, making it an essential source of electricity for the region. The dam’s reservoir, known as the Gobind Sagar Lake, is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India.
The Bhakra Dam has significantly contributed to agricultural development in the surrounding areas by providing water for irrigation. It has helped transform barren lands into fertile agricultural fields, supporting the growth of various crops. The dam has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and panoramic views.
3. Idukki Dam (168.91 m) – Kerala
The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, is one of the largest arch dams in Asia. Standing at a height of 168.91 meters, it is a remarkable feat of engineering. The dam is built across the Periyar River, one of the longest rivers in the state.
The primary purpose of the Idukki Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It has a total installed capacity of 780 megawatts, making it a crucial source of electricity for Kerala. The dam’s reservoir, called the Idukki Reservoir, covers a vast area and is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests.
Apart from its significance in power generation, the Idukki Dam has also helped in flood control and irrigation. The controlled release of water from the dam during monsoon seasons helps prevent flooding downstream. The scenic beauty of the dam and its surrounding landscape attracts tourists from far and wide, making it a popular destination in Kerala.
4. Koldam Dam (167 m) – Himachal Pradesh
Koldam Dam, located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the largest dams in India. With a height of 167 meters, it is an impressive structure built on the River Satluj. The dam is situated approximately 4 kilometres upstream of the Barmana village.
The primary purpose of the Koldam Dam is to generate hydroelectric power. It has a power generation capacity of 800 megawatts, making it a significant source of renewable energy for the region. The dam’s reservoir, created by diverting the river flow, extends upstream and covers an area of about 42 square kilometres.
The construction of the Koldam Dam began in 2000 and was completed in 2014. The project involved the installation of four generating units, each with a capacity of 200 megawatts. The dam also includes provisions for fish migration, ensuring the ecological balance of the river.
The Koldam Dam has not only contributed to the development of the region but has also become a tourist attraction. The scenic beauty surrounding the dam, with the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, draws visitors from near and far.
5. Sardar Sarovar Dam (163 m) – Gujarat
The Sardar Sarovar Dam, situated on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat, is one of the largest dams in India. Standing at a height of 163 meters, it is a multipurpose project that serves various sectors, including irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
The primary objective behind the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam was to provide water for irrigation to the drought-prone regions of Gujarat and neighbouring states. It has a vast canal network that helps in supplying water to thousands of hectares of agricultural land.
The dam’s reservoir, known as the Sardar Sarovar Reservoir, has a storage capacity of over 9 billion cubic meters. This vast reservoir not only fulfils the water requirements of the region but also provides drinking water to millions of people.
In terms of power generation, the Sardar Sarovar Dam has an installed capacity of 1,450 megawatts. It has an underground powerhouse with six turbines, each capable of producing 200 megawatts of electricity.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam has been a significant engineering feat, bringing immense benefits to the region in terms of water resources and electricity generation.
6. Ranjit Sagar Dam (160 m) – Punjab
Ranjit Sagar Dam, also known as Thein Dam, is located in the state of Punjab, India. With a height of 160 meters, it is one of the tallest dams in the country. The dam is built across the Ravi River, near the town of Shahpur Kandi.
The primary purpose of the Ranjit Sagar Dam is to provide irrigation water to the agricultural lands of Punjab and generate hydroelectric power. The dam has a storage capacity of approximately 3.2 billion cubic meters and can irrigate around 200,000 hectares of land.
The hydropower component of the dam consists of three powerhouses, with an installed capacity of 600 megawatts. The powerhouses utilise the water released from the reservoir to generate electricity. The dam has contributed significantly to the state’s power generation capacity, providing a sustainable and clean source of energy.
The scenic beauty surrounding the Ranjit Sagar Dam attracts tourists, making it a popular destination. The reservoir formed by the dam offers opportunities for boating and water sports, enhancing its recreational value.
The Ranjit Sagar Dam stands as a remarkable engineering feat, playing a crucial role in the agricultural and power sectors of Punjab while also providing recreational and tourism opportunities.
7. Srisailam Dam (145.10 m) – Andhra Pradesh
Srisailam Dam is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the largest dams in the country, standing at a height of 145.10 meters. The dam is built on the Krishna River, near the town of Srisailam. It serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
The reservoir created by Srisailam Dam, known as Srisailam Reservoir, has a large storage capacity, which helps in regulating the flow of water for agricultural and drinking water needs in the region. The dam also generates a significant amount of electricity, contributing to the power needs of Andhra Pradesh.
Srisailam Dam is an engineering marvel, constructed using concrete and masonry. It has a spillway to release excess water during periods of heavy rainfall, thus preventing flooding downstream. The scenic surroundings of the dam and the presence of the Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary in the vicinity make it a popular tourist attraction.
8. Chamera Dam (140 m) – Himachal Pradesh
Chamera Dam is a prominent dam located in Himachal Pradesh, India. With a height of 140 meters, it is among the tallest dams in the state. The dam is situated on the River Ravi, near the town of Dalhousie.
Chamera Dam serves various purposes, including hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. It has a reservoir called Chamera Lake, which not only provides a scenic backdrop but also acts as a storage facility for water. The dam’s power station generates a substantial amount of electricity, contributing to the power needs of Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
The construction of Chamera Dam involved the use of concrete and rockfill materials. It has multiple spillways to control the release of water, ensuring the safety of downstream areas during periods of heavy rainfall. The surrounding area offers opportunities for water sports, boating, and other recreational activities, attracting tourists from far and wide.
9. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (124 m) – Andhra Pradesh
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, situated in Andhra Pradesh, India, is one of the largest masonry dams in the world. Standing at a height of 124 meters, it is a monumental structure constructed across the Krishna River. The dam is named after the nearby Nagarjuna Sagar, a prominent Buddhist heritage site.
The primary purpose of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is irrigation, supplying water for agricultural needs in the region. It has a vast reservoir called Nagarjuna Sagar Lake, which spans across two states, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The dam also generates hydroelectric power, contributing to the energy requirements of the states.
The construction of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam involved the use of concrete and masonry materials. It has multiple spillways and sluice gates to regulate water flow and prevent flooding during monsoon seasons. The dam has become a significant tourist attraction, with visitors coming to witness its grandeur and explore the nearby Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
10. Koyna Dam (103 m) – Maharashtra
Koyna Dam, located in Maharashtra, India, is renowned as one of the largest dams in the state. Standing at a height of 103 meters, it is a gravity dam constructed on the Koyna River, a tributary of the Krishna River.
The primary purpose of Koyna Dam is hydroelectric power generation. It forms the Koyna Hydroelectric Project, which is one of the largest and most important power plants in Maharashtra. The dam’s reservoir, Koyna Lake, acts as a vast water storage facility for power generation and also provides water for irrigation purposes.
Constructed using concrete and masonry materials, Koyna Dam is known for its robustness and engineering excellence. It has spillways and radial gates to manage water flow and prevent the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. The picturesque surroundings, including the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, make it a popular tourist destination, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Top Biggest Dams in India
The top 10 biggest dams in India stand as remarkable examples of the country’s prowess in water management and engineering. These monumental structures, spread across different states, play a crucial role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply.
The Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand stands tall as one of the largest dams in India, providing hydroelectric power, irrigation, and flood control. The Bhakra Dam in Himachal Pradesh contributes significantly to agricultural development and serves as a popular tourist destination.
The Idukki Dam in Kerala, with its impressive height and scenic surroundings, contributes to power generation, flood control, and irrigation. The Koldam Dam in Himachal Pradesh is a significant source of hydroelectric power and attracts tourists with its stunning Himalayan backdrop.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat stands as a multipurpose project, providing irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. The Ranjit Sagar Dam in Punjab supports irrigation and power generation, while the Srisailam Dam in Andhra Pradesh serves irrigation, power generation, and flood control purposes.
The Chamera Dam in Himachal Pradesh contributes to hydroelectric power generation and offers recreational opportunities. The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam in Andhra Pradesh supports irrigation and power generation while attracting tourists to its grandeur. Finally, the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra is renowned for its hydroelectric power generation capabilities and scenic surroundings.
These dams have transformed the Indian landscape, harnessed water resources, and supported the country’s growth and development. They stand as symbols of India’s commitment to efficient water management, sustainable energy generation, and the well-being of its people. As India continues to progress, these dams will remain vital contributors to its water and power needs, playing an integral role in the nation’s journey toward a brighter future.
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