Dams are like barriers that stop the flow of water, the blockage of the water results in the formation of reservoirs. Hence, the water reservoir is used to generate electricity which is known as hydroelectricity. The other functions of the water reservoir are irrigation, human consumption, and aquaculture. The formation of dams also suppresses the danger of floods.
Highest and Largest Dams in India
Tehri Dam is the largest dam in India, standing 260.5 meters (855 feet) tall and stretching 575 meters (1,886 feet) across on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand. It plays a crucial role in water management and hydroelectric power generation.
Bhakra Dam is the highest dam in India, reaching 226 meters (741 feet) in height. Located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, it was completed in 1963 and serves as a concrete gravity dam.
Largest dam in India-The Tehri Dam
The Tehri Dam holds the distinction of being the largest dam in India. This massive structure stands as a testament to human engineering and plays a crucial role in water management and power generation for the country.
Location of Largest Dam in India
The Tehri Dam is situated on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, near the town of Tehri. Its strategic location in the Himalayan region makes it an essential infrastructure project for northern India.
Construction Timeline of Largest Dam in India
Construction of the Tehri Dam began in 1978. After nearly three decades of work, the dam was completed in 2006. The project involved substantial engineering challenges and was a major feat in Indian infrastructure development.
Dimensions and Basic Features of Largest Dam of India
- Height: The dam stands at an impressive 260.5 meters (855 feet), making it one of the tallest dams in the world.
- Length: It stretches 575 meters (1,886 feet) across, providing a vast storage capacity.
- Type: The Tehri Dam is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam, designed to handle various functions, including water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Highest dam in India- Bhakra Dam
The Bhakra Dam holds the prestigious title of being the highest dam in India. This colossal structure is not just an engineering marvel but also a symbol of India’s progress and self-reliance.
Location and Basic Facts
- Situated on the Sutlej River in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
- Construction began in 1948 and was completed in 1963
- Height: 226 meters (741 feet)
- Length: 518.25 meters (1,700 feet)
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
Dams in India: Types of Dams
In India, dams are important for water management and power generation. There are various types of dams, check the names of different types of dams:
- Arch Dam
- Gravity Dam
- Arch-Gravity Dam
- Barrages
- Embankment Dams
- Rock-Fills Dams
- Concrete-face rock-fill Dams
- Earth-fill dams.
Dams in India: List of Highest dams in India
India is home to numerous significant dams, including the Tehri Dam, Bhakra Dam, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. These structures play a vital role in irrigation, power generation, and flood control across the country.
Check the list of dams in India:
Dams | States | River |
Tehri Dam | Uttarakhand | Bhagirathi River |
Dhauli Ganga Dam | Uttarakhand | Dhauli Ganga River |
Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Dam also Rihand Dam | Uttar Pradesh | Rihand River |
Somasila Dam | Andhra Pradesh | Pennar River |
Srisailam Dam | Andhra Pradesh | Krishna River |
Ukai Dam | Gujarat | Tapti River |
Dharoi Dam | Gujarat | Sabarmati River |
Kadana Dam | Gujarat | Mahi River |
Dantiwadaa Dam | Gujarat | Banas River |
Indravati Dam | Odisha | Indravati River |
Hirakud Dam | Odisha | Mahanadi Dam |
Jalaput Dam | Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Borders | Machkund river |
Nizam Sagar Dam | Telangana | Manjira River |
Singur Dam | Telangana | Majira River |
Radhanagari Dam | Telangana | Bhogawati River |
Lower Manair Dam | Telangana | Manair River |
Mid Manair Dam | Telangana | Manair River and SRSP Flood flow canal |
Upper Manair Dam | Telangana | Manair River and Kudlair River |
Vaigai Dam | Tamil Nadu | Vaigai river |
Peruchani Dam | Tamil Nadu | Paralayar River |
Mettur Dam | Tamil Nadu | Kaveri River |
Tunga Bhadra Dam | Karnataka | Tunga Bhadra River |
Linganamakki Dam | Karnataka | Sharavathi River |
Kadra Dam | Karnataka | Kalinadi River |
Alamatti Dam | Karnataka | Krishna River |
Supa Dam | Karnataka | Kalinadi or Kali River |
Krishna Raja Sagara Dam | Karnataka | Kaveri River |
Harangi Dam | Karnataka | Harangi river |
Narayanpur Dam | Karnataka | Krishna River |
Kodasalli Dam | Karnataka | Kali River |
Malampuzha Dam | Kerala | Malampuzha River |
Peechi Dam | Kerala | Manali River |
Idukki Dam | Kerala | Periyar River |
Kundala Dam | Kerala | Kundala River |
Parambikulam Dam | Kerala | Parambikulam River |
Walayar Dam | Kerala | Walayar River |
Mullaperiyar Dam | Kerala | Periyar River |
Neyyar Dam | Kerala | Neyyar River |
Khadakwasla Dam | Maharashtra | Mutha River |
Gangapur Dam | Maharashtra | Godavari River |
Yeldari Dam | Maharashtra | Purna river |
Ujani Dam | Maharashtra | Bhima River |
Pawna Dam | Maharashtra | Maval River |
Mulshi Dam | Maharashtra | Mula River |
Koyna Dam | Maharashtra | Koyna River |
Jayakwadi Dam | Maharashtra | Godavari River |
Bhatsa Dam | Maharashtra | Bhatsa River |
Wilson Dam | Maharashtra | Pravara River |
Vaitarna Dam | Maharashtra | Vaitarna River |
Girna Dam | Maharashtra | Girana River |
Chamera Dam | Himachal Pradesh | Ravi River |
Baglihar Dam | Jammu and Kashmir | Chenab River |
Uri Hydroelectric Dam | Jammu and Kashmir | Jhelum River |