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Dams in India stand as monumental structures, transforming rivers into reservoirs that significantly boost agriculture, power generation, and flood management. With over 5,334 dams spanning the length and breadth of the nation, India’s vast network of dams supports millions by ensuring water availability, enhancing economic stability, and safeguarding communities from natural calamities. From the world’s largest dam in India, the Tehri Dam, to the strategically crucial Hirakud Project, these infrastructural marvels have dramatically reshaped India’s socio-economic landscape.
Dams are constructed barriers, built primarily across rivers or streams, intended to control and manage water flow. By creating reservoirs, dams facilitate water storage for multiple purposes, including irrigation, hydroelectric power production, potable water supply, flood prevention, and recreational activities.
They are engineered structures varying in size, material, and design, reflecting diverse geographic and economic considerations. Among the major dams in India, different types cater to specific regional needs. These structures are a major part of the list of dams in India, with rivers and states helping communities across states like Gujarat, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. Maps like the major dams in India map class 10 help students and aspirants locate and learn about these key national assets.
India hosts an extensive network of over 5,300 dams, significantly positioning it as one of the leading countries globally in terms of dam infrastructure. These dams vary widely in size, design, and function, reflecting India’s diverse topographical and climatic conditions. Major dams like the Hirakud Dam, Bhakra Nangal Dam, and Tehri Dam illustrate India’s capability to manage substantial multipurpose projects that serve vital roles in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Conversely, numerous smaller dams nationwide primarily cater to localized irrigation and water management needs, which are crucial for rural communities. India’s smallest dam, such as Cheruthoni Dam in Kerala, still plays a vital role in flood regulation and local water management. The widespread distribution of dams in India covers various river basins, including the northern Himalayan rivers such as the Sutlej and Bhagirathi, central rivers like Narmada and Godavari, and the southern peninsular rivers such as Krishna and Cauvery.
The Bhakra Nangal Dam, a notable dam on the Indus River tributaries, supports agriculture and energy in northern India. This extensive network supports multiple aspects of India’s socio-economic fabric, providing water resources essential for agricultural productivity, which is pivotal for national food security. Additionally, these dams facilitate substantial hydroelectric power generation, contributing to India’s energy needs and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Thus, India’s sheer volume of dams demonstrates its commitment to effectively harnessing and managing water resources and highlights its role in fostering sustainable development and resilience against climatic variability and natural disasters. For students, researchers, and policymakers, resources like the dams in India map and the list of dams in India with river and state serve as essential guides to understanding and leveraging this infrastructure.
Dams in India can be categorized based on their structure, materials used, and the purposes they serve. The diversity of terrain and climatic conditions across the country necessitates different types of dams to manage water resources efficiently. Understanding these classifications provides insight into India’s engineering capabilities and helps students and aspirants comprehend content featured in the major dams in India map class 10 and related academic resources.
These dam types serve different functions, from large-scale irrigation and hydroelectric power to localized water storage. By referring to the list of dams in India with river and state, learners can associate these dam types with specific regions, making it easier to identify India’s largest dam, which is also its tallest—Tehri Dam.
| Dam Name | River | State(s) | Dam Type | Height (m) | Core Purpose(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tehri Dam | Bhagirathi River | Uttarakhand | Rock and Earth-fill | 260.5 | Hydroelectric power, irrigation, and drinking water |
| Bhakra Nangal Dam | Sutlej River | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab | Gravity | 226 | Irrigation, power generation, and a dam on an Indus river tributary |
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | Narmada River | Gujarat | Gravity | 163 | Longest dam in India, irrigation, flood control, and power |
| Hirakud Dam | Mahanadi River | Odisha | Composite (Earth + Concrete) | 60.96 | Irrigation, hydroelectricity, and major dams of India |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Dam | Krishna River | Telangana, Andhra Pradesh | Masonry | 124.5 | Irrigation, power generation, and flood mitigation |
| Indira Sagar Dam | Narmada River | Madhya Pradesh | Gravity | 92 | Power generation, irrigation |
| Maithon Dam | Barakar River | Jharkhand | Earthfill | 55 | Flood control, hydropower |
| Tungabhadra Dam | Tungabhadra River | Karnataka | Composite | 49.5 | Irrigation, power generation, flood mitigation |
| Idukki Dam | Periyar River | Kerala | Arch | 168.91 | Hydroelectricity, water storage |
| Rihand Dam | Rihand River | Uttar Pradesh | Gravity | 91 | Power generation, irrigation |
Hirakud Dam, situated on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, is India’s longest dam, extending approximately 25 kilometers. Constructed between 1947 and 1957, the Hirakud Project was India’s first significant post-independence multipurpose river valley project. Primarily designed to control floods in the agriculturally crucial Mahanadi delta, the dam also significantly boosts irrigation, providing water for over 150,000 hectares of farmland.
Additionally, Hirakud Dam generates substantial hydroelectric power, supporting regional energy requirements and industrial growth. Its historical and contemporary importance make it a crucial infrastructure for Odisha and an essential reference in the study of dams in India. This dam is a staple inclusion in any major dams in India map class 10 and ranks among India’s top 10 biggest dams.
Bhakra Nangal Dam, located on the Sutlej River across Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, is one of the most prominent dams in India. Constructed between 1948 and 1963, this gravity dam was an engineering marvel at its completion. Bhakra Nangal is pivotal for irrigation, benefiting millions of farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The dam also generates substantial hydroelectric power, significantly contributing to the energy grids of these northern states.
Moreover, Bhakra Nangal supports flood control mechanisms, protecting millions from potentially catastrophic floods, thus highlighting its multifunctional significance in the national context. It is often listed as one of India’s most significant dam projects and holds strategic importance as a dam on the Indus River tributaries.
Sardar Sarovar Dam, built across the Narmada River in Gujarat, is a cornerstone of western India’s water infrastructure. Completed in 2017, the dam provides critical irrigation water to drought-prone regions, supporting extensive agriculture and alleviating water scarcity for millions. Additionally, it plays a substantial role in power generation, with its hydroelectric plant significantly contributing to regional energy security.
Despite controversies related to displacement and environmental impact, Sardar Sarovar remains a key example of India’s infrastructural ambition, driving economic growth and stability in the region. It is also recognized in the list of dams in India, including river and state, and is featured prominently on every updated dam on the India map.
The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, constructed across the Krishna River between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is one of the largest masonry dams globally. Completed in 1967, this impressive structure is central to irrigation, powering extensive agricultural operations and supporting numerous communities across the region. Its reservoir also provides crucial drinking water and hydroelectric power generation capabilities. Nagarjuna Sagar Project has significantly impacted regional socio-economic conditions, enabling sustainable agricultural practices and fostering development in otherwise water-scarce areas. It is commonly noted in the major dams in India, in the map class 10, and among the essential dams in India.
The Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand is India’s tallest dam, at 260.5 meters. Completed in 2006, it is one of India’s most significant multipurpose projects, providing hydroelectric power generation and drinking water to millions in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The dam also plays a critical role in flood management, protecting downstream areas from floods during heavy rains and maintaining water supply during droughts. Despite environmental and displacement-related challenges, Tehri remains central to India’s sustainable energy and water management strategies.
Dams in India serve numerous critical functions essential for national development and sustainable resource management. The major dams of India, including Tehri, Bhakra Nangal, and Sardar Sarovar, contribute to economic growth, agricultural expansion, and clean energy goals. Their most significant contributions include extensive irrigation systems, which enable year-round agriculture crucial for food security. From the top 10 biggest dams in India to the smallest dam in India, each structure supports the agricultural backbone of the nation.
Hydroelectric power generated from India’s biggest dam projects reduces reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. This makes the tallest dam in India, Tehri Dam, a major contributor to India’s green energy targets. Dams also offer vital flood protection, mitigating the devastating impacts of seasonal floods and ensuring steady drinking water supplies for millions.
Moreover, the list of dams in India, along with the rivers and states, shows how these structures play diverse roles across different regions. With over 5,300 dams detailed in damns in India map resources, their role in environmental sustainability and disaster resilience is undeniable. Resources such as the major damns in India map class 10 provide educational insights, especially for students and exam aspirants studying the infrastructure of India’s largest dam networks.
Irrigation is fundamental to India’s agricultural sector, supporting millions of farmers and enabling multiple cropping seasons. Major dams in India, like Nagarjuna Sagar and Hirakud Dam, play vital roles in irrigation across southern and eastern India. These important dams in India collectively bolster food security and rural livelihoods.
Hydroelectricity derived from dams contributes significantly to India’s renewable energy portfolio. India’s largest dam projects, such as Bhakra Nangal and Tehri, are central to this initiative. These projects are essential entries in any damns in India map and power thousands of households across several states.
Dams effectively control seasonal floods. Structures like Hirakud Dam, which is featured in the top 10 biggest dams in India and in discussions on which is the longest dam in India, help prevent disasters in flood-prone regions. Even the smallest dam in India contributes by managing local water overflow during monsoons.
Reliable water supply from dams ensures potable water access to urban centers and rural regions. The Nagarjuna Sagar Project, as highlighted in educational tools like the major damns in India map class 10, is instrumental in supplying clean water to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Dams in India have far-reaching, beneficial, and challenging consequences that significantly influence the nation’s development, environment, and communities. These structures, from the world’s largest dam in India, Hirakud, to the smallest dam in India, Cheruthoni, serve multipurpose roles, including irrigation, power generation, and flood control. As seen in resources like the list of dams in India with river and state and the major dams in India map class 10, their contributions vary across geographical regions and socio-economic needs.
The major dams of India are instrumental in driving progress across sectors. Their advantages include:
Despite their advantages, many of the top 10 biggest dams in India have long-term implications that must be managed sustainably:
The Hirakud Dam in Odisha, built on the Mahanadi River, was completed in 1957 and is a pivotal structure in the history of dams in India. Spanning over 25 kilometers, it answers the question “Which is the longest dam in India?” and is also one of the major dams in India. Designed primarily for flood control, irrigation, and power generation, it was the country’s first post-independence multipurpose river valley project. Due to its engineering scale and socio-economic impact, the Hirakud Project is featured prominently in school curricula, including the major dams in India map in class 10.
Bhakra Nangal Dam, constructed on the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), became operational in 1963. It is often listed among India’s most significant dam projects and remains one of the most important dams. It serves critical irrigation needs across Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan and plays a substantial role in hydroelectric power generation. Bhakra Nangal Dam is frequently included in the list of dams in India, along with the river and state, and is a landmark in India’s water infrastructure.
Completed in 1967, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam across the Krishna River between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest masonry dams globally. It is a staple example in exams and academic content where students are asked to “write a short note on Nagarjuna Sagar Projects.” Besides being a key irrigation source, the dam supports the water supply and hydropower. It ranks prominently among the top 10 biggest dams in India and is a vital entry in the dams on India’s map.
Tehri Dam, located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, was commissioned in 2006 and is recognized as the tallest dam in India. It is included in any credible list of the world’s largest dams in India and contributes extensively to hydroelectric power and drinking water supply for northern India. The Tehri Dam has become synonymous with India’s most significant dam initiatives and continues to be a topic of focus in environmental and infrastructure policy discussions.
These milestones, represented in damns in India map and educational guides like the major dams in India map class 10, showcase India’s engineering advancements and commitment to managing its vast water resources effectively.
Dams in India are monumental assets that support the nation’s agricultural productivity, energy security, and water management. With over 5,300 operational dams, including the tallest dam in India—Tehri Dam and the world’s largest dam in India by length, Hirakud Dam, these structures underscore the country’s commitment to sustainable development. India’s most significant dam projects, such as Bhakra Nangal and Sardar Sarovar, contribute significantly to regional growth and are highlighted across educational tools, such as the dams in India map and the major dams in India map class 10.
These major dams of India address crucial needs such as irrigation, hydroelectric power, flood control, and drinking water supply. Each serves a unique purpose, from the smallest dam in India, like Cheruthoni, to key landmarks like the Bhakra Nangal Dam on the Indus River tributaries. Resources like the list of dams in India with river and state, and academic guides help students and aspirants understand questions such as “What do you know about the Hirakud Project?” and “Write a short note on Nagarjuna Sagar Projects.”
Ultimately, the major dams in India, including those ranked among the top 10 biggest dams in India, form a national backbone for ecological stability, rural and urban development, and climate resilience. As infrastructure evolves, the legacy of India’s most significant dam projects will continue shaping the nation’s more secure and prosperous future.
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The five biggest dams in India are:
Tehri Dam
Bhakra Nangal Dam
Sardar Sarovar Dam
Hirakud Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
India has over 5,334 completed dams, with more than 400 currently under construction.
Maharashtra has the highest number of dams in India, with over 2,300 dams, making it the state most well-known for its extensive dam infrastructure.
The Hirakud Project, built on the Mahanadi River in Odisha, is India’s first major multipurpose river valley initiative. Completed in 1957, it is the longest dam in India, extending over 25 kilometers. It is vital in eastern India’s flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
The Nagarjuna Sagar Project, built on the Krishna River between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, is one of the world’s largest masonry dams. Completed in 1967, it provides extensive irrigation to over 1.2 million hectares and supports hydroelectric power generation. It is a key entry in the list of essential dams in India and plays a vital role in regional water security and agriculture.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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