Highest and Largest Dams in India, Check the List

Dams in India

India's vast landscape is adorned with impressive dams that stand as testaments to the nation's engineering prowess and commitment to resource management. These colossal structures, ranging from historic marvels to modern achievements, play crucial roles in irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and providing drinking water. 

Among them, iconic dams in India like the Bhakra Nangal, Sardar Patel, and Tehri stand out not only for their size but also for their transformative impact on the regions they serve. Each dam is a blend of advanced engineering and strategic planning, reflecting India's ability to harness its natural resources for sustainable development. 

This blog delves into the most significant dams across India, exploring their history, purpose, and the crucial roles they play in supporting millions of lives and driving economic growth. Join us as we uncover the stories behind these monumental feats of engineering.

Dams in India with State and River

Below we share a comprehensive list of notable dams in India, along with their States respective rivers:

Andhra Pradesh

• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Krishna River
• Srisailam Dam – Krishna River
• Pochampadu Dam – Godavari River
• Somasila Dam – Pennar River
• Krishna Raja Sagara Dam – Cauvery River

Arunachal Pradesh

• Lower Subansiri Dam – Subansiri River
• Upper Siang Dam – Siang River
• Dibang Dam – Dibang River

Assam

• Kopili Dam – Kopili River
• Barak Dam – Barak River
• Subansiri Lower Dam – Subansiri River

Bihar

• Kosi Barrage – Kosi River
• Gandak Dam – Gandak River
• Bagmati Dam – Bagmati River
• Baliyo Dam – Bagmati River

Chhattisgarh

• Tandula Dam – Tandula River
• Kharun Dam – Kharun River
• Mahanadi Dam – Mahanadi River
• Rangling Dam – Rangling River

Goa

• Molem Dam – Molem River
• Selaulim Dam – Selaulim River
• Anjunem Dam – Anjunem River

Gujarat

• Sardar Patel Dam – Narmada River
• Ukai Dam – Tapi River
• Kakrapar Dam – Tapi River
• Dharoi Dam – Sabarmati River
• Narmada Dam – Narmada River

Haryana

• Yamuna Nagar Dam – Yamuna River
• Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal – Sutlej and Yamuna Rivers
• Sukhna Lake Dam – Sukhna Lake (drains into Yamuna)

Himachal Pradesh

• Bhakra Nangal Dam – Sutlej River
• Pong Dam – Beas River
• Koldam Dam – Beas River
• Pandoh Dam – Beas River

Jammu and Kashmir

• Baglihar Dam – Chenab River
• Salal Dam – Chenab River
• Dulhasti Dam – Chenab River
• Ranjit Sagar Dam – Ravi River

Jharkhand

• Maithon Dam – Damodar River
• Mandal Dam – Mandal River
• Panchet Dam – Damodar River

Karnataka

• Tungabhadra Dam – Tungabhadra River
• Krishna Raja Sagara Dam – Cauvery River
• Bhadra Dam – Bhadra River
• Kabini Dam – Kabini River
• Sharavathi Dam – Sharavathi River

Kerala

• Idukki Dam – Periyar River
• Mullaperiyar Dam – Periyar River
• Banasura Sagar Dam – Kabini River
• Idamalayar Dam – Idamalayar River

Madhya Pradesh

• Narmada Valley Project – Narmada River
• Tawa Dam – Tawa River
• Gandhisagar Dam – Chambal River
• Sardar Sarovar Dam – Narmada River

Maharashtra

• Koynanagar Dam – Koyna River
• Bhatsa Dam – Bhatsa River
• Mulshi Dam – Mula River
• Tansa Dam – Tansa River
• Panjabrao Dam – Pus River

Manipur

• Khuga Dam – Khuga River
• Dams in Manipur – Nambul River

Meghalaya

• Umiam Dam – Umiam River
• Kangty Dam – Rangthong River

Mizoram

• Tuivai Dam – Tuivai River
• Serlui Dam – Serlui River

Nagaland

• Dzuza Dam – Dzuza River
• Dams in Nagaland – Naga River

Odisha

• Hirakud Dam – Mahanadi River
• Rengali Dam – Brahmani River
• Balimela Dam – Sileru River
• Telengiri Dam – Telengiri River

Puducherry

• Muthupet Dam – Muthupet River

Rajasthan

• Chambal Dam – Chambal River
• Mahi Dam – Mahi River
• Gandhisagar Dam – Chambal River
• Rana Pratap Sagar Dam – Chambal River

Sikkim

• Teesta Dam – Teesta River
• Lamtang Dam – Lamtang River

Tamil Nadu

• Mettur Dam – Cauvery River
• Kundah Dam – Kundah River
• Parambikulam Dam – Parambikulam River
• Vaigai Dam – Vaigai River

Tripura

• Rudrasagar Dam – Rudrasagar River

Uttar Pradesh

• Rihand Dam – Rihand River
• Rajghat Dam – Yamuna River
• Saraswati Dam – Saraswati River
• Tanda Dam – Sarda River

Uttarakhand

• Tehri Dam – Bhagirathi River
• Lakhwar Dam – Yamuna River
• Koteshwar Dam – Bhagirathi River

West Bengal

• Farakka Barrage – Ganges River
• Kangsabati Dam – Kangsabati River
• Damodar Valley Dam – Damodar River
• Rangit Dam – Rangit River

This list includes a variety of significant dams across India, highlighting the diverse rivers on which they are built.

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Largest Dams in India by Storage Capacity

1. Bhakra Nangal Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh-Punjab
• River: Sutlej
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 9.34 billion cubic meters

2. Tehri Dam

• Location: Uttarakhand
• River: Bhagirathi
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 3.6 billion cubic meters

3. Sardar Patel (Narmada) Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 5.8 billion cubic meters

4. Hirakud Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Mahanadi
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 6.6 billion cubic meters

5. Ukai Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Tapi
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 2.9 billion cubic meters

6. Srisailam Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
• River: Krishna
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 2.3 billion cubic meters

7. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh
• River: Krishna
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 2.2 billion cubic meters

8. Koynanagar Dam

• Location: Maharashtra
• River: Koyna
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 1.9 billion cubic meters

9. Pong Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Beas
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 1.8 billion cubic meters

10. Rihand Dam

• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• River: Rihand
• Storage Capacity: Approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters

These dams are crucial for their respective regions, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power generation. Their large storage capacities play a significant role in managing water resources in India.

Highest or Tallest Dam in India

India, with its diverse landscape and vast river systems, is home to some of the most impressive dams in the world. These engineering marvels not only provide essential resources like water and electricity but also play a crucial role in flood control and irrigation. Here’s a detailed look at the highest and largest dams in India, showcasing their significance and impact.

Bhakra Nangal Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh-Punjab Border
• River: Sutlej River
• Height: 226 meters (741 feet)
• Length: 518 meters (1,700 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control

The Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of India's most iconic and tallest or highest dams. It was completed in 1963 and stands at a height of 226 meters. It plays a critical role in controlling the floods in the Sutlej River Basin and provides irrigation water to the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Its hydroelectric power generation capacity significantly contributes to the region's energy supply.

Largest Dam in India

Tehri Dam

• Location: Uttarakhand
• River: Bhagirathi River
• Height: 260.5 meters (855 feet)
• Length: 575 meters (1,886 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power generation, water supply, flood control

The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India, towering at 260.5 meters. Situated in the Tehri-Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, it was completed in 2006. The dam's primary purpose is to generate hydroelectric power and provide water for irrigation and drinking to the surrounding regions. It also plays a significant role in flood management.

Sardar Patel Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada River
• Height: 163 meters (535 feet)
• Length: 1,210 meters (3,970 feet)
• Purpose: Irrigation, water supply, hydroelectric power generation

The Sardar Patel Dam, also known as the Narmada Dam, is one of the largest dams in India by volume and surface area. Its construction was completed in 2017 and stands at a height of 163 meters. It is a crucial project under the Narmada Valley Development Plan, providing irrigation water to the drought-prone areas of Gujarat and generating hydroelectric power.

Longest dam in the Indian and world 

Hirakud Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Mahanadi River
• Height: 60.96 meters (200 feet)
• Length: 4,800 meters (15,748 feet)
• Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation

Completed in 1957, the Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world, stretching over 4,800 meters. It plays a vital role in flood control in the Mahanadi River Basin and provides irrigation to the agricultural lands of Odisha. The dam also generates hydroelectric power, contributing to the local energy needs.

Largest Dams in India by Area

1. Sardar Patel (Narmada) Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada
• Reservoir Area: 2,400 square kilometers (927 square miles)
• Completion Year: 2017
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, water supply

2. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh
• River: Krishna
• Reservoir Area: 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1967
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

3. Hirakud Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Mahanadi
• Reservoir Area: 743 square kilometers (287 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1957
• Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, hydropower

4. Srisailam Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
• River: Krishna
• Reservoir Area: 650 square kilometers (251 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1981
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

5. Ukai Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Tapi
• Reservoir Area: 610 square kilometers (235 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1972
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

6. Koynanagar Dam

• Location: Maharashtra
• River: Koyna
• Reservoir Area: 250 square kilometers (97 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1969
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

7. Rihand Dam

• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• River: Rihand
• Reservoir Area: 167 square kilometers (64 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1962
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

8. Tungabhadra Dam

• Location: Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh
• River: Tungabhadra
• Reservoir Area: 137 square kilometers (53 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1953
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

9. Pong Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Beas
• Reservoir Area: 24.5 square kilometers (9.5 square miles)
• Completion Year: 1975
• Purpose: Irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power

These dams are notable not only for their size but also for their significant impact on water management, agriculture, and hydroelectric power generation across India.

Dams in India Built by the British

1. Hirakud Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Mahanadi
• Completion Year: 1957
• Details: Although the dam's construction began during British rule, it was completed after independence. It was one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects in India.

2. Kallanai Dam (also known as Grand Anicut)

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• River: Kaveri
• Completion Year: 2nd Century AD, renovated during British period
• Details: Originally built by the Chola Dynasty, significant renovations were made during the British period to enhance its irrigation capabilities.

3. Rangit Dam

• Location: Sikkim
• River: Rangit
• Completion Year: 1961 (construction started during British rule)
• Details: The Rangit Dam was one of the major projects initiated by the British for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.

4. Palar Dam

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• River: Palar
• Completion Year: 1895
• Details: Built during the late 19th century, this dam was part of the British efforts to improve irrigation in the region.

5. Mettur Dam

• Location: Tamil Nadu
• River: Kaveri
• Completion Year: 1934
• Details: Constructed to regulate the flow of the Kaveri River for irrigation and hydroelectric power, it was an important project during the British era.

6. Wellington Dam

• Location: Karnataka
• River: Hemavati
• Completion Year: 1928
• Details: This dam was constructed as part of the British efforts to develop irrigation infrastructure in the region.

7. Narmada Canal

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada
• Completion Year: 1890s (part of the British-era irrigation projects)
• Details: While not a dam, the Narmada Canal was built to harness the river’s water for irrigation purposes.

These dams and irrigation projects played a significant role in developing India's water management infrastructure and continue to serve their purposes to this day.

Notable Hydroelectric Dams in India by Capacity

1. Koynanagar Dam

• Location: Maharashtra
• River: Koyna
• Completion Year: 1969
• Installed Capacity: 1,960 MW
• Height: 103 meters (338 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

2. Srisailam Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
• River: Krishna
• Completion Year: 1981
• Installed Capacity: 1,670 MW
• Height: 145 meters (476 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

3. Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Electric Project

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Sutlej
• Completion Year: 2014
• Installed Capacity: 1,000 MW
• Height: 148 meters (486 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

4. Tehri Dam

• Location: Uttarakhand
• River: Bhagirathi
• Completion Year: 2006
• Installed Capacity: 1,000 MW
• Height: 260.5 meters (855 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, drinking water

5. Nathpa Jhakri Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Sutlej
• Completion Year: 2003
• Installed Capacity: 1,500 MW
• Height: 60 meters (197 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

6. Sardar Patel (Narmada) Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada
• Completion Year: 2017
• Installed Capacity: 1,450 MW
• Height: 163 meters (535 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, water supply

7. Dulhasti Hydro Power Station

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir
• River: Chenab
• Completion Year: 2007
• Installed Capacity: 390 MW
• Height: 90 meters (295 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

8. Upper Indravati Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Indravati
• Completion Year: 2001
• Installed Capacity: 600 MW
• Height: 122 meters (400 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

9. Chamera Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Ravi
• Completion Year: 1994
• Installed Capacity: 540 MW
• Height: 116 meters (381 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

10. Lakhwar Dam

• Location: Uttarakhand
• River: Yamuna
• Completion Year: Under construction (expected completion in 2027)
• Installed Capacity: 300 MW
• Height: 60 meters (197 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

11. Subansiri Lower Dam

• Location: Arunachal Pradesh
• River: Subansiri
• Completion Year: Under construction (expected completion in 2025)
• Installed Capacity: 2,000 MW
• Height: 116 meters (381 feet)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

These hydroelectric dams play a crucial role in India's energy production, providing a significant portion of the country’s electricity while also contributing to irrigation and flood control.

Notable Dams Built in India After Independence

1. Hirakud Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Mahanadi
• Completion Year: 1957
• Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, hydropower

2. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh
• River: Krishna
• Completion Year: 1967
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

3. Koynanagar Dam

• Location: Maharashtra
• River: Koyna
• Completion Year: 1969
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

4. Ukai Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Tapi
• Completion Year: 1972
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

5. Pong Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Beas
• Completion Year: 1975
• Purpose: Irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power

6. Rihand Dam

• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• River: Rihand
• Completion Year: 1962
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

7. Srisailam Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
• River: Krishna
• Completion Year: 1981
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

8. Chamera Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Ravi
• Completion Year: 1994
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

9. Dulhasti Hydro Power Station

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir
• River: Chenab
• Completion Year: 2007
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

10. Tehri Dam

• Location: Uttarakhand
• River: Bhagirathi
• Completion Year: 2006
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, drinking water

11. Karcham Wangtoo Hydro Electric Project

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Sutlej
• Completion Year: 2014
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

12. Sardar Patel (Narmada) Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada
• Completion Year: 2017
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, water supply

13. Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project

• Location: Arunachal Pradesh
• River: Subansiri
• Completion Year: Under construction (expected completion in 2025)
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

14. Upper Tamakoshi Hydro Power Project

• Location: Nepal (with India funding)
• River: Tamakoshi
• Completion Year: 2022
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

15. Jhelum Valley Hydro-Electric Project

• Location: Jammu and Kashmir
• River: Jhelum
• Completion Year: 2000
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power

This chronological arrangement highlights the development of India's hydroelectric infrastructure over the decades.

Largest Dams in India by Volume

1. Bhakra Nangal Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh-Punjab
• River: Sutlej
• Volume: Approximately 9.34 billion cubic meters (7.6 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1963
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, flood control

2. Sardar Patel (Narmada) Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Narmada
• Volume: Approximately 12 billion cubic meters (9.7 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 2017
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, water supply

3. Tehri Dam

• Location: Uttarakhand
• River: Bhagirathi
• Volume: Approximately 2.6 billion cubic meters (2.1 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 2006
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation, drinking water

4. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh
• River: Krishna
• Volume: Approximately 8.5 billion cubic meters (6.9 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1967
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

5. Hirakud Dam

• Location: Odisha
• River: Mahanadi
• Volume: Approximately 5.3 billion cubic meters (4.3 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1957
• Purpose: Flood control, irrigation, hydropower

6. Ukai Dam

• Location: Gujarat
• River: Tapi
• Volume: Approximately 6.5 billion cubic meters (5.3 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1972
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

7. Koynanagar Dam

• Location: Maharashtra
• River: Koyna
• Volume: Approximately 1.8 billion cubic meters (1.5 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1969
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

8. Srisailam Dam

• Location: Andhra Pradesh-Telangana
• River: Krishna
• Volume: Approximately 5 billion cubic meters (4 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1981
• Purpose: Irrigation, hydroelectric power

9. Rihand Dam

• Location: Uttar Pradesh
• River: Rihand
• Volume: Approximately 2 billion cubic meters (1.6 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1962
• Purpose: Hydroelectric power, irrigation

10. Pong Dam

• Location: Himachal Pradesh
• River: Beas
• Volume: Approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters (1.2 million acre-feet)
• Completion Year: 1975
• Purpose: Irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power

These dams are distinguished not just by their height or surface area but by the immense volumes of water they can store, making them crucial for water management, flood control, and power generation in India.

Largest Dams in the World

1. Three Gorges Dam

• Location: Hubei Province, China
• River: Yangtze
• Completion Year: 2012
• Type: Gravity dam
• Height: 185 meters (607 feet)
• Length: 2,335 meters (7,660 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 39.3 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 22,500 MW

2. Oroville Dam

• Location: California, USA
• River: Feather
• Completion Year: 1968
• Type: Earthfill dam
• Height: 230 meters (770 feet)
• Length: 2,285 meters (7,562 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 4.4 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 819 MW

3. Grand Coulee Dam

• Location: Washington, USA
• River: Columbia
• Completion Year: 1942
• Type: Gravity dam
• Height: 168 meters (550 feet)
• Length: 1,592 meters (5,223 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 9.2 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 6,809 MW

4. Hoover Dam

• Location: Arizona-Nevada, USA
• River: Colorado
• Completion Year: 1936
• Type: Arch-gravity dam
• Height: 221 meters (726 feet)
• Length: 379 meters (1,244 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 35.2 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 2,080 MW

5. Itaipu Dam

• Location: Border between Brazil and Paraguay
• River: Paraná
• Completion Year: 1984
• Type: Gravity dam
• Height: 196 meters (643 feet)
• Length: 7,919 meters (25,981 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 29.4 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 14,000 MW

6. Kariba Dam

• Location: Border between Zambia and Zimbabwe
• River: Zambezi
• Completion Year: 1959
• Type: Gravity dam
• Height: 128 meters (420 feet)
• Length: 579 meters (1,900 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 185 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 1,626 MW

7. Nurek Dam

• Location: Tajikistan
• River: Vakhsh
• Completion Year: 1980
• Type: Gravity dam
• Height: 300 meters (984 feet)
• Length: 700 meters (2,297 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 10 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 3,000 MW

8. Aswan High Dam

• Location: Egypt
• River: Nile
• Completion Year: 1970
• Type: Rock-fill dam
• Height: 111 meters (364 feet)
• Length: 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 132 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 2,100 MW

9. Tarbela Dam

• Location: Pakistan
• River: Indus
• Completion Year: 1976
• Type: Earthfill dam
• Height: 143 meters (470 feet)
• Length: 2,743 meters (8,999 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 11.62 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 3,478 MW

10. Guri Dam

• Location: Venezuela
• River: Caroni
• Completion Year: 1986
• Type: Arch-gravity dam
• Height: 162 meters (531 feet)
• Length: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
• Storage Capacity: 135 billion cubic meters
• Installed Capacity: 10,235 MW

These dams are recognized for their significant impact on power generation, water storage, and flood control. They represent major engineering feats and play crucial roles in their respective regions.

Dams in India: Types of Dams and Their Functions

Dams are crucial infrastructure projects that serve various purposes, including water storage, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. India, with its diverse geographical features, has constructed numerous dams, each designed to meet specific needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the different types of dams found in India and their respective functions:

1. Gravity Dams

Definition: Gravity dams rely on their own weight to resist the force of the water behind them. They are constructed from concrete or masonry and are designed to block a river or stream.

Characteristics:

• Constructed from concrete or masonry
• Utilizes its own weight to resist water pressure
• Suitable for narrow and deep valleys

Examples in India:

• Bhakra Nangal Dam (Himachal Pradesh-Punjab Border)
• Hirakud Dam (Odisha)

Functions: Mainly used for water storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

2. Arch Dams

Definition: Arch dams are curved structures that transfer the water pressure to the canyon walls. They are typically built in narrow, steep-sided valleys.

Characteristics:

• Made of concrete and curved in shape
• Transfers water pressure to the canyon walls
• Suitable for narrow, deep valleys with strong rock formations

Examples in India:

• Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand)
• Idukki Dam (Kerala)

Functions: Primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, water storage, and flood control.

3. Buttress Dams

Definition: Buttress dams have a sloping back that is supported by a series of buttresses or supports, which transfer the water pressure to the foundation.

Characteristics:

• Features a sloping upstream face supported by buttresses
• Built in wide, deep valleys
• Uses less material compared to gravity dams

Examples in India:

• Narmada Dam (Gujarat)

Functions: Used for water storage, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.

4. Embankment Dams

Definition: Embankment dams are constructed from earth, rock, or a combination of materials. They are designed to hold back large volumes of water and are typically built in wide river valleys.

Characteristics:

• Constructed from earth, rock, or a combination
• Requires a wide base to support the structure
• Suitable for locations with less solid foundation

Examples in India:

• Sardar Patel Dam (Gujarat)
• Bhatsa Dam (Maharashtra)

Functions: Mainly used for irrigation, water supply, and flood control.

5. Composite Dams

Definition: Composite dams combine features of different types of dams, such as gravity and embankment structures, to take advantage of the benefits of each design.

Characteristics:

• Combines elements of gravity, arch, or embankment dams
• Designed based on specific site conditions
• Flexible design for diverse geographical features

Examples in India:

• Koynanagar Dam (Maharashtra)

Functions: Used for water storage, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

6. Storage Dams

Definition: Storage dams are designed to hold and store large quantities of water for future use. They often create reservoirs that can be used for multiple purposes.

Characteristics:

• Designed to create large reservoirs
• Used to manage water resources effectively
• Can serve various functions such as irrigation and power generation

Examples in India:

• Ranjitsagar Dam (Punjab)
• Kosi Barrage (Bihar)

Functions: Mainly used for water storage, irrigation, and flood control.

7. Diversion Dams

Definition: Diversion dams are constructed to divert a portion of a river’s flow to canals or pipelines for irrigation, water supply, or hydroelectric power.

Characteristics:

• Diverts river flow to alternate channels
• Often smaller in height compared to storage dams
• Utilizes a series of gates and channels

Examples in India:

• Farakka Barrage (West Bengal)
• Rihand Dam (Uttar Pradesh)

Functions: Primarily used for irrigation, water supply, and flood control.

India's diverse landscape requires a variety of dam types to meet different needs. From the imposing gravity dams to the versatile composite dams, each type plays a crucial role in managing water resources, generating power, and supporting agriculture. Understanding these types helps in appreciating the complexity and importance of dam construction in India's development and resource management.

List of Popular Dams in India

Dam Information

Dam Name	Location	River	Height	Length
Bhakra Nangal Dam	Himachal Pradesh-Punjab Border	Sutlej	226 meters	518 meters
Tehri Dam	Uttarakhand	Bhagirathi	260.5 meters	575 meters
Sardar Patel Dam	Gujarat	Narmada	163 meters	1,210 meters
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam	Andhra Pradesh-Telangana Border	Krishna	124 meters	1,450 meters
Hirakud Dam	Odisha	Mahanadi	60.96 meters	4,800 meters
Bhatsa Dam	Maharashtra	Bhatsa	48 meters	1,200 meters
Idukki Dam	Kerala	Periyar	168.91 meters	365 meters
Koynanagar Dam	Maharashtra	Koyna	103 meters	700 meters
Ranjitsagar Dam	Punjab	Ravi	55 meters	702 meters
Kosi Barrage	Bihar	Kosi	8.6 meters	2,780 meters
Farakka Barrage	West Bengal	Ganges	22 meters	2,800 meters
Rihand Dam	Uttar Pradesh	Rihand	91.44 meters	1,020 meters
Dhauli Dam	Odisha	Mahanadi	45 meters	180 meters
Mullaperiyar Dam	Kerala-Tamil Nadu Border	Periyar	53.6 meters	365 meters
Pong Dam	Himachal Pradesh	Beas	43.6 meters	307 meters
Srisailam Dam	Andhra Pradesh-Telangana Border	Krishna	145 meters	1,167 meters
Tungabhadra Dam	Karnataka-Telangana Border	Tungabhadra	49 meters	1,215 meters
Narmada Valley Project	Madhya Pradesh	Narmada	Various	Various
Kakrapar Dam	Gujarat	Tapi	18 meters	402 meters
Kundah Dam	Tamil Nadu	Kundah	37 meters	121 meters
Jai Shankar Dam	Maharashtra	Godavari	51 meters	343 meters
Saraswati Dam	Himachal Pradesh	Saraswati	72 meters	394 meters
Chambal Dam	Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan Border	Chambal	40 meters	462 meters
Gandhisagar Dam	Rajasthan	Chambal	46 meters	386 meters
Kosi Dam	Bihar	Kosi	25 meters	1,200 meters

Conclusion

India’s dams are remarkable feats of engineering and play a pivotal role in the country's infrastructure. From the towering heights of the Tehri Dam to the extensive length of the Hirakud Dam, each dam has its unique contributions towards flood control, irrigation, and power generation. These structures are not just about their dimensions but about their impact on millions of lives through water management and energy production. As India continues to develop, the role of these dams will remain crucial in supporting the nation's growth and sustainability.