India, a land blessed with a variety of diverse geographical characteristics and an extensive network of rivers, utilises its natural resources to their utmost potential. To efficiently manage these rivers and guarantee a steady supply of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses, the country initiated the construction of large reservoirs. The huge engineering wonders known as dams are essential to India’s hydrologic arrangement. You will be amazed to know that there are about 5,334 dams in India. Out of these, 447 dams hold great significance.
Functions of a Dam:
- Structure:
- Water Control:
- Hydropower Generation:
- Irrigation:
- Water Supply:
- Recreation:
- Flood Control:
- Environmental Impact:
Dams are typically massive concrete designed to resist the pressure of water. The classification and configuration of a dam may vary depending on its designated objective and regional geographical conditions.
Dams serve to regulate the water stream within rivers and brooks. Dams can prevent floods during severe rainfall by controlling how much water is to be released, and they can maintain a reliable water supply during dry conditions.
Turbines are installed on several embankments to generate electricity from the regulated flow of water. These hydroelectric embankments are a vital source of renewable energy for the country.
Dams provide a continued supply of water for agricultural purposes. By storing water during the rainy season and releasing it during dry spans, dams support crop cultivation and enhance agricultural productivity.
Dams can serve as a source of clean drinking water for nearby communities. The stored water can be treated and distributed to meet domestic and industrial needs.
Some reservoirs created by dams offer recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife habitat. These areas often become popular tourist destinations.
Dams can control the impact of floods by holding back excess water during heavy rains and releasing it in a controlled manner to prevent downstream flooding.
Dam construction can have positive and negative consequences on the environment. While they can provide water for irrigation and reduce flood risk, they can also impact ecosystems, alter river dynamics, and affect aquatic life.
Types of Dams
- Gravity Dams:
- Embankment Dams:
- Arch Dams:
- Buttress Dams:
- Cofferdams:
- Homogeneous Dams:
- Rockfill Dams:
Gravity dams are massive structures that rely on their weight and the force of gravity to hold water. They are generally constructed from concrete or masonry. These dams are commonly used for reservoirs, water supply, and flood control.
Embankment dams, also known as earth-fill or earth dams, are constructed using compressed soil, rock, sand, and sometimes concrete or clay. They rely on an assortment of materials and their own weight to oppose the force of water.
Arch dams are curved structures that transfer the force of water horizontally to the abutments on either side of the river valley. They are typically constructed from concrete and are ideal for locations with narrow ravines or deep valleys.
Buttress dams are a variation of the gravity dam. They have a flat, sloping upstream face and massive supports on the downstream side. These dams are used where traditional gravity dams might not be feasible.
Cofferdams are transient structures built to isolate an area of water during construction projects. They are generally used for making a dry workspace in rivers and are later released when the work is completed.
Homogeneous dams are built using a single type of material, usually concrete or masonry. These dams are structurally uniform in composition.
Rockfill dams are made primarily of loose rock and compacted materials. They can be used in areas with ample rock resources and are cost-effective for controlling sediment and silt in rivers.
List of Major Dams in India
Tehri Dam
- Location: Uttarakhand
Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and serves as a multipurpose project. It provides water for irrigation, generates electricity, and controls floods. The dam is essential for the growth of Uttarakhand.
The dam is 260.5 metres high and is built on the Bhagirathi River. The Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) manages this project.
Bhakra Dam
- Location: Himachal Pradesh
Bhakra Dam is a symbol of the engineering excellence of India. It provides water for irrigation to northwestern India, generates hydroelectricity, and controls floods in the Sutlej River.
The dam stands 226 metres tall. It has created the stunning Bhakra Nangal Reservoir, one of the largest artificial lakes in India.
Sardar Sarovar Dam
- Location: Gujarat
Sardar Sarovar Dam is a lifeline for the arid regions of Gujarat. This dam assists Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, as well as other neighbouring states.
This dam is on the Narmada River and stands 138.68 metres high. It is a part of the Narmada Valley Development Project.
Mettur Dam
- Location: Tamil Nadu
Mettur Dam ensures water supply for agriculture in the Cauvery Delta, making it vital for the farming community of the Tamil Nadu state of India.
The dam is 120 feet high and supplies water for drinking and irrigation facilities to more than 12 districts of Tamil Nadu and hence is regarded as the life and livelihood-giving resource of Tamil Nadu.
Hirakud Dam
- Location: Odisha
Hirakud Dam is the longest earthen dam in the world and serves to control floods in the Mahanadi River and provide water for irrigation.
It stands at a height of 60.96 metres and has a unique boat-shaped spillway.
Indira Sagar Dam
- Location: Madhya Pradesh
Located on the Narmada River, it holds the distinction of being India’s largest dam in terms of water storage capacity. Rising to a height of 92 metres, it plays a pivotal role in providing water and electricity to four Indian states.
The dam’s remarkable attributes include its ability to irrigate a vast expanse of 1,230 square kilometres of land, benefiting the regions it serves.
Conclusion:
Dams are engineering marvels that play a pivotal role in the development. They not only provide water for agriculture and generate electricity but also help in flood control and maintain ecological balance. The earlier listed dams only provide a small sample of India’s incredible dam infrastructure, which is a testament to human ingenuity. These amazing structures stand as the proof of our ability to regulate elements of nature for the benefit of society, having a significant impact on the topography and subsistence of the regions around them.
As we conclude the journey of understanding India’s majestic dams, we would like to draw your attention towards EuroKids, a renowned play school that is dedicated to nurturing young minds and building a strong foundation for the future generations. It has over 21 years of expertise, and is known as India’s Most Trusted Early Childhood Education Brand. With our top-notch facilities, qualified teachers, and child-centred philosophy, we offer an array of knowledge, imagination, and growth for our young ones. Visit us today and experience a warm, safe, and engaging environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and holistic development.
