India is home to some of the world’s most remarkable dams, which are essential for the country’s development. These dams play an important role in daily life, such as helping farmers in crop irrigation, generating electricity, controlling floods, and supplying drinking water to millions of people. From the towering Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand to the huge Hirakud Dam in Odisha, each structure tells a story of human skill, careful planning, and hard work.
In this blog, we will take you through the list of biggest dam in India and will tell you interesting facts about it, like its height, design, and the role it plays in India’s development. So, if you’ve ever asked yourself questions like What are the major dams in India? Then this guide will give you easy and interesting answers about these dams.
About The Biggest Dam In India
The largest dam in India is undoubtedly the Tehri Dam. This is a hydroelectric dam located on the Bhagirathi River in the state of Uttarakhand and has a height of 260.5 meters. Not only is it the tallest of all the dams in India, but it is also among the tallest of all the hundreds of dams built in the world. Dams in India has been established for a multipurpose rock and earth-fill embankment purpose as a hydroelectric power generator, a source of water supply for human consumption, and irrigation to crops in the region. At a time, this system can hold up to 2,100 million cubic meters of water, for the benefit of millions of people in Northern India.
In case you ever wished to know which is the biggest dam in India, you are sure to wonder no more about the Tehri Dam. Its size and utility have made it an emblem of India’s engineering capability.
List of Major Dams In India
India has many amazing dams and its fast-flowing rivers play an important role in the country’s growth and development. Here’s an overview of the major dams in India, along with their special features and uses-
1. Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand)
Tehri Dam is India's highest Dam and is used as a multipurpose dam that serves as a source of hydroelectricity, irrigation, and drinking water. This rock and earth-fill embankment dam is situated at a height of 260.5 meters on the Bhagirathi River and is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand, as you can also enjoy Boating, rafting, kayaking, jet skiing, paragliding, camping and trekking.
River: Bhagirathi
Location: Tehri, Uttarakhand
Reservoir Capacity: 2.6 billion cubic metres
2. Bhakra Nangal Dam (Himachal Pradesh)
Bhakra Nangal Dam is an engineering marvel of concrete gravity style situated on the Sutlej River at a height of 226 meters it is very important for the generation of electricity, irrigation, and regulation of floods. This is one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and you can enjoy various things to do in Himachal Pradesh where you can enjoy Boating, fishing, sightseeing, photography and birdwatching.
River: Sutlej
Location: Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and Nangal, Punjab
Reservoir Capacity: 7.8 billion cubic metres
3. Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat)
Sardar Sarovar Dam is the largest dam in India by reservoir capacity. It is 163 meters tall and is located on the Narmada River. This gravity, concrete dam serves as an irrigation, drinking water source, and power. There are various things to do in Gujarat, especially in this dam such as boating, a helicopter ride, a light and sound show, a jungle safari, and trekking.
River: Narmada
Location: Kevadia, Gujarat
Reservoir Capacity: 9.5 billion cubic metres
4. Hirakud Dam (Odisha)
Hirakud Dam is the longest dam in India and stretches up to 25.8 kilometers. This composite structure over the Mahanadi River is mainly designed for irrigation and flood moderation. You can visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Huma Temple, Samaleswari Temple, and various other sites. Boating, cruising, sightseeing, photography and wildlife watching are some of the best things to enjoy here.
River: Mahanadi
Location: Sambalpur, Odisha
Reservoir Capacity: 5.8 billion cubic metres
5. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Telangana)
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is the third largest dam in India by reservoir capacity. This masonry dam on the Krishna River is 124 meters high and facilitates the requirements of irrigation as well as domestic water supply mainly to agricultural needs. Nagarjunakonda Island, Ethipothala Waterfall, Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the places to visit near Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
River: Krishna
Location: Nalgonda, Telangana and Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: 11.56 billion cubic metres
6. Indira Sagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh)
Indira Sagar Dam is the hydroelectric power station comprises a 92-meter high concrete gravity dam over the Narmada River for generating electricity as well as supporting irrigation projects. Hanuwantiya Island, Sailani Island, Omkareshwar Temple and Maheshwar Fort are some of the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh near Indira Sagar Dam.
River: Narmada
Location: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: 12.22 billion cubic metres
7. Tungabhadra Dam (Karnataka)
Tungabhaadra Dam is located on the Tungabhadra River this is one of the masonry and earthen dams in Karnataka raised to a maximum planned height of 49.5 meters with an important function for water supply and irrigation. There are various places to visit in karnataka and one of the major attraction for tourists here is this dam because of its scenic views and beautiful gardens nearby.
River: Tungabhadra River
Location: Hospet, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka
Reservoir Capacity: 3.78 billion cubic meters
8. Bhavanisagar Dam (Tamil Nadu)
Bhavanisagar Dam is the largest earthen dam in India and is being constructed on the Bhavani River, it is 32 meters in height and helps in the purpose of irrigation and flood control.
River: Bhavani River
Location: Near Sathyamangalam, Erode district, Tamil Nadu
Reservoir Capacity: 0.93 billion cubic meters
9. Rihand Dam (Uttar Pradesh)
Its concrete gravity type has a height of 91.5 meters and is located on the Rihand River to be utilized in the generation of power along with irrigation work. This dam is the ideal place for relaxing in the lap of nature because of the surrounding lush foliage, charming views, and boating opportunities.
River: Rihand River
Location: Pipri, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: 8.63 billion cubic meters
10. Idukki Arch Dam (Kerala)
Idukki Arch Dam is the tallest dam in India and is an arch dam measuring 169 meters in height on the Periyar River, which is used mainly for power generation. The Idukki Arch Dam, located between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, is a remarkable engineering and natural wonder.
River: Periyar
Location: Idukki, Kerala
Reservoir Capacity: 1.75 billion cubic metres
11. Srisailam Dam (Andhra Pradesh)
The Srisailam Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in southern India and is built across the Krishna River. The main purpose of this dam is used in irrigation, power generation, and water supply. The scenic surroundings of the Nallamala Hills make it a popular tourist place to visit in Andhra Pradesh.
River: Krishna River
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: Around 8.29 billion cubic meters
12. Maithon Dam (Jharkhand)
The Maithon Dam is built across the Barakar River and is well known for power generation and flood control. It’s a beautiful place where you can enjoy boating and the place is surrounded by green hills and calm waters, making it a favorite picnic destination for people.
River: Barakar River
Location: Dhanbad district, Jharkhand
Reservoir Capacity: Around 1.0 billion cubic meters
13. Hirakud Dam (Odisha)
The Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world and a major multipurpose project is built across the Mahanadi River on which the dam is built. It controls floods, supports irrigation, and generates power for Odisha and nearby states.
River: Mahanadi River
Location: Sambalpur, Odisha
Reservoir Capacity: About 8.14 billion cubic meter
The World’s Largest Dam In India
India never claims to have the largest dam but some of the highest dams in India are Tehri Dam and Hirakud Dam that are endowed in terms of size and efficiency among the best in the world. For instance, the length where Hirakud Dam stands is 25.8 km which makes it one of the most fascinating and a contender for the world biggest dam in India in terms of length.
The Biggest Earthen Dam In India
The Biggest earthen dam that exists in Odisha is the Hirakud Dam. The structure has both earthen and concrete sections which makes the structure very functional and strong at the same time to be built as a dam. Besides occupying a large area, this important reservoir offers flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power. The largest earthen construction in India showcases that Indian engineers have even constructed large structures using natural resources only.
Conclusion
They are much more than just technical constructs, for the people of India, they are a lifeline and a sign of an indomitable spirit. Starting from Tehri Dam the dam in India to the monumental Hirakud Dam, it is a success story written in concrete and steel Every student asking the question Biggest dam in India or people looking for the list of the top 10 biggest dam in India or even for those who are searching for the biggest earthen dam in India such structures are worth the wonder.
So put on your traveling shoes and let’s start this thrilling adventure with Capture A Trip, Your trusted guide to explore the marvel of Indian engineering and dive deep into the wonders of the biggest dam in India without any tension of arrangement and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the biggest dam in India?
The Tehri Dam of Uttrakhand is the biggest dam of all the dams constructed in India and it is 260.5 meters tall.
2. Which is the longest dam in India?
The Hirakud Dam in Odisha is 25. 8 km thus it is the longest dam in India.
3. Which is the largest dam in India?
Tehri Dam in Uttarakhand is the largest dam in India with the height of 260.5 meters and has a reservoir capacity of 2.6 billion cubic metres.
4. Does India have the world’s biggest dam?
India does not have the world’s biggest dam, but it has famous dams, like Tehri and Hirakud Dam.
5. List some of the biggest dams in India.
Some of the biggest dams in India are Tehri, Bhakra Nangal, Sardar Sarovar, Hirakud, and many others.
6. Which is India's oldest dam?
Kallanai Dam is the oldest dam in India and is situated in Tamil Nadu. This Dam was built by Chola dynasty in 2nd century CE.
7. How do dams benefit India?
The dam in India offers water for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and as well as a source of water supply to many people all over the world.
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