India is home to some of the world’s largest and most significant dams, which play crucial roles in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, water supply, and flood control. These dams are engineering marvels that symbolize the country’s technological progress and commitment to sustainable development. Here’s a look at the top 10 biggest dams in India based on their size and capacity.
1. Tehri Dam, Uttarakhand
- Height: 260 meters
- Built on the Bhagirathi River, Tehri Dam is the tallest dam in India and among the tallest in the world. It is a multipurpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam, primarily used for hydroelectricity and water supply.
2. Bhakra Dam, Himachal Pradesh
- Height: 226 meters
- Constructed across the Sutlej River, Bhakra Dam is one of India’s largest and most famous dams. It is known for its impressive storage capacity and is a major source of hydroelectric power.
3. Sardar Sarovar Dam, Gujarat
- Height: 163 meters
- Built on the Narmada River, this massive dam is one of the largest projects under the Narmada Valley Project. It supplies water to four states and is a crucial source of irrigation and power generation.
4. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Telangana
- Height: 124 meters
- One of the oldest and largest masonry dams in India, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam on the Krishna River provides irrigation to large areas in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
5. Hirakud Dam, Odisha
- Length: 4.8 kilometers
- Constructed across the Mahanadi River, Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world. This dam is vital for irrigation, flood control, and power generation in Odisha.
6. Indira Sagar Dam, Madhya Pradesh
- Height: 92 meters
- Located on the Narmada River, Indira Sagar Dam boasts the largest reservoir in India by capacity. It plays a significant role in irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation.
7. Bhavani Sagar Dam, Tamil Nadu
- Height: 40 meters
- Built across the Bhavani River, Bhavani Sagar is among the largest earthen dams in the country. It supports irrigation and water supply in Tamil Nadu.
8. Koyna Dam, Maharashtra
- Height: 103 meters
- Known as the “life line of Maharashtra,” Koyna Dam is a major hydroelectric power project on the Koyna River, providing energy and water to the state.
9. Tungabhadra Dam, Karnataka
- Height: 49.5 meters
- Constructed on the Tungabhadra River, this dam supports irrigation and water supply in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, covering thousands of hectares.
10. Mettur Dam, Tamil Nadu
- Height: 65 meters
- Built on the Cauvery River, Mettur Dam is one of the oldest and largest dams in India. It serves as a lifeline for irrigation in the Cauvery Delta region.
