Major Dams in India

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

For students preparing for competitive exams such as UGC NET, UPSC, RPSC, KVS, NVS, DSSSB, HPSC, HTET, RTET, UPPSC, and BPSC in geography, understanding the role and significance of dams is essential. Dams are critical infrastructure that support various aspects of human life, including agriculture, water supply, energy generation, and flood control. 

A thorough knowledge of the historical development, types, benefits, and challenges associated with dams will not only help you excel in exams but also provide a deeper insight into the management of natural resources and sustainable development practices. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the necessary information to tackle questions related to dams in your geography syllabus.

Introduction

Dams play a crucial role in India’s development, serving multiple purposes such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, water supply, and flood control. They are vital for agricultural productivity, energy security, and managing water resources. For example, the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Sutlej River is a key source of irrigation and hydroelectric power in northern India. 

Understanding the significance of dams is essential for geography students and competitive exam aspirants, as it forms a key component of physical geography and environmental studies. Knowledge of dams also helps in comprehending the socio-economic and environmental impacts of large infrastructure projects.

Historical Background

The history of dam construction in India dates back to ancient times, with early examples like the Grand Anicut on the Kaveri River, built around the 2nd century AD by the Chola dynasty. Over the centuries, dam technology has evolved significantly. During the British colonial period, several major dams were constructed, such as the Mettur Dam on the Kaveri River, completed in 1934, and the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, completed in 1957. 

Post-independence, India embarked on ambitious dam projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam, which became symbols of the country’s development and self-reliance. Key milestones include the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, which is one of the largest dams in the world, and the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River, which is the tallest dam in India.

What is Dam?

A dam is a structure built across a stream, river, or estuary to retain water. Dams serve multiple purposes, including providing water for human consumption, irrigating arid and semi-arid lands, generating hydroelectric power, controlling floods, and improving navigation. They create reservoirs that store water, which can be used for various activities such as irrigation, drinking, industrial use, and recreation.

Types of Dams

Dams can be classified based on their structure and purpose:

• Structural Classification:
  • Gravity Dams: These rely on their weight to hold back water. Example: Bhakra Dam on the Sutlej River, which is one of the highest gravity dams in the world.
  • Arch Dams: Curved in design, they transfer the water pressure to the valley walls. Example: Idukki Dam on the Periyar River, known for its double curvature arch design.
  • Earthen Dams: Made from natural materials like earth and rock. Example: Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River, which is one of the longest earthen dams in the world.
• Purpose Classification:
  • Irrigation Dams: Primarily used for agricultural irrigation. Example: Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on the Krishna River, which provides irrigation to the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • Hydroelectric Dams: Generate electricity. Example: Srisailam Dam on the Krishna River, which is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in India.
  • Multipurpose Dams: Serve multiple functions like irrigation, power generation, and flood control. Example: Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River, which provides water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use, and also generates hydroelectric power.

List of Major Dams in India

Benefits of Dams

Dams offer numerous benefits:

• Agricultural Irrigation and Food Security: Dams provide a reliable source of water for irrigation, enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. For example, the Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada River supports extensive irrigation networks in Madhya Pradesh.
• Renewable Energy Generation: Hydroelectric dams generate clean, renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. The Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River is a significant source of hydroelectric power in Uttarakhand.
• Water Supply: Dams store water for domestic and industrial use, ensuring a steady supply even during dry periods. The Bhakra Nangal Dam, for instance, supplies water to several states in northern India.
• Flood Management: Dams help control floods by regulating river flow, protecting downstream areas from flood damage. The Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River is crucial for flood control in Odisha.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite their benefits, dams also pose several challenges:

• Environmental Impact: Large dams can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting wildlife and plant species. The construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam led to significant ecological changes in the Narmada Valley.
• Displacement of Communities: Construction of dams often requires relocating communities, leading to social and economic challenges. The Tehri Dam project displaced thousands of people in Uttarakhand.
• Sedimentation: Over time, sediment can accumulate in reservoirs, reducing their storage capacity and efficiency. The Bhakra Dam faces sedimentation issues that affect its water storage and power generation capabilities.
• Maintenance and Safety: Ensuring the structural integrity and safety of dams requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring. The Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala has been a subject of safety concerns due to its age and structural condition.
• Balancing Development and Sustainability: It is crucial to balance the developmental benefits of dams with ecological sustainability and social equity. The debate over the Narmada Dam projects highlights the need for sustainable development practices.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, India has several upcoming dam projects aimed at enhancing water management and energy production. Innovations in dam construction and management, such as the use of advanced materials and technologies, are expected to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

For example, the Polavaram Dam project on the Godavari River aims to provide irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power while incorporating modern construction techniques. Policies and regulations are being developed to ensure sustainable dam development, focusing on minimizing ecological disruption and promoting community welfare. The National Water Policy emphasizes the need for integrated water resource management to balance development and conservation.

Conclusion

Dams are indispensable to India’s growth and development, providing essential resources for agriculture, energy, and water management. Understanding the complexities and benefits of dams is crucial for geography students and competitive exam aspirants. As India continues to develop, sustainable and balanced approaches to dam construction and management will be key to ensuring long-term environmental and social well-being.

Test Your Knowledge with MCQs

1.Which dam is known as the “Lifeline of Gujarat”?

A) Mettur Dam 

B) Ukai Dam 

C) Sardar Sarovar Dam

D) Almatti Dam

2. The Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on which river? 

A) Ganga 

B) Yamuna 

C) Sutlej 

D) Godavari

3. What is the primary purpose of the Hirakud Dam? 

A) Hydroelectric power generation 

B) Irrigation 

C) Flood control 

D) All of the above

4. Which is the tallest dam in India? 

A) Bhakra Dam 

B) Tehri Dam 

C) Sardar Sarovar Dam 

D) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

5. The Idukki Dam, known for its arch design, is located in which state?

A) Tamil Nadu 

B) Karnataka 

C) Kerala 

D) Andhra Pradesh

6. Which dam is constructed across the Krishna River and is one of the largest in India? 

A) Srisailam Dam 

B) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam 

C) Tungabhadra Dam 

D) Almatti Dam

7. What is the main function of the Tungabhadra Dam? 

A) Water supply 

B) Irrigation and hydroelectric power 

C) Flood control 

D) Navigation

8. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is part of which river valley project? 

A) Godavari River Valley Project 

B) Krishna River Valley Project 

C) Narmada River Valley Project 

D) Mahanadi River Valley Project

9. Which dam is located on the Mahanadi River and is one of the longest earthen dams in the world? 

A) Bhakra Dam 

B) Hirakud Dam 

C) Tehri Dam 

D) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

10. The Tehri Dam, the tallest dam in India, is built on which river? 

A) Yamuna 

B) Bhagirathi 

C) Ganga 

D) Sutlej

Answers:

1. C) Sardar Sarovar Dam
2. C) Sutlej
3. D) All of the above
4. B) Tehri Dam
5. C) Kerala
6. B) Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
7. B) Irrigation and hydroelectric power
8. C) Narmada River Valley Project
9. B) Hirakud Dam
10. B) Bhagirathi

FAQs

You Might Also Like

• The Disappearing Nile Delta
• जल-विद्युत उत्पादन के लिए आवश्यक दशाएँ (Conditions Required for Hydroelectric Power Generation)
• The Mighty Himalayas: An Indelible Impact on Indian Agriculture
• Desertification: Concept, Causes, Impact and Prevention
• भारत की प्रमुख झीलें (Major Lakes of India)