Important Dams in India, Learn About the Longest Dam in India 2024

Dams in India:- Dams are vital to India’s development, helping manage water resources and support agriculture, power generation, and flood control. With over 5,000 dams across the country, these structures play a key role in providing irrigation for crops, generating renewable energy, and protecting communities from floods. Each dam, from the towering Tehri to the extensive Hirakud, showcases India’s efforts to harness and manage its water resources effectively for the benefit of its people and the environment. Check out the Dams in India list below.

Top 5 Dams in India

1. Tehri Dam:- The Tehri Dam, situated in Uttarakhand on the Bhagirathi River, is India’s tallest dam, standing at an impressive height of 260.5 meters. It is a rock-fill dam that stretches 575 meters in length and holds a reservoir capacity of 21,00,000 acre-feet. With an installed capacity of 1000 Megawatt, Tehri Dam is a crucial source of hydroelectric power and water supply in the region. Its towering structure not only makes it the highest in India but also ranks among the top ten highest dams globally, underscoring its significant role in the country’s infrastructure.
2. Bhakra Nangal Dam:- Bhakra Nangal Dam Located on the Sutlej River, the Bhakra Nangal Dam straddles the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. With a height of 225 meters, it is the largest dam in India and the second-largest in Asia. This concrete gravity dam plays a vital role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation, significantly contributing to the agricultural and economic development of the region. Its impressive structure and engineering make it a landmark achievement in India’s dam construction history.
3. Hirakud Dam:- The Hirakud Dam, positioned in Odisha on the Mahanadi River, is renowned for being the longest dam in India, stretching 25.79 kilometers. This composite dam, with a height of 61 meters, boasts a reservoir capacity of 47,79,965 acre-feet and an installed capacity of 347.5 Megawatt. Hirakud Dam plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation, serving as a lifeline for the surrounding communities and significantly contributing to the region’s agricultural productivity.
4. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam:– The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, located in Telangana along the Krishna River, is the largest masonry dam in India and the world’s largest artificial lake. Standing 124 meters tall and stretching 4863 meters in length, this monumental structure holds a reservoir capacity of 93,71,845 acre-feet and has an installed capacity of 816 Megawatt. The dam’s extensive length and substantial capacity make it a critical asset for irrigation, water supply, and power generation in the region, supporting agricultural activities and regional development.
5. Sardar Sarovar Dam:- The Sardar Sarovar Dam, situated in Gujarat on the Narmada River, is a key component of the Narmada Valley Project. With a height of 163 meters and a length of 1210 meters, this gravity dam has a reservoir capacity of 77,00,000 acre-feet and an installed capacity of 1450 Megawatt. Serving multiple states including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is essential for providing water for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power, significantly impacting the socio-economic development of the region.

Highest Dams in India

India is home to several impressive dams, with the Tehri Dam standing as the highest Dams in India. Located in Uttarakhand on the Bhagirathi River, the Tehri Dam reaches a remarkable height of 260.5 meters. This rock-fill dam is a crucial source of hydroelectric power and water supply, showcasing its monumental scale and engineering prowess. It holds the distinction of being not only the highest dam in India but also ranks among the top ten highest dams globally, emphasizing its significant role in regional infrastructure and development.

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Longest Dams in India

When it comes to length, the Hirakud Dam in Odisha is the longest dam in India. Stretching an impressive 25.79 kilometers, this composite dam spans across the Mahanadi River. Its extensive length is a testament to its role in flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The Hirakud Dam’s vast structure serves as a lifeline for the surrounding areas, providing critical resources and contributing significantly to agricultural productivity and regional stability.

State-Wise Dams in India

Check out the state-wise Dams in India from the below table:-