Dams play a vital role in a country's water management system, including irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply. A clear understanding of the important dams in India, their geographical location, and associated rivers is essential for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Important Dams in India
Bhakra Nangal Dam
Located in Himachal Pradesh on the Sutlej River, Bhakra Nangal Dam is one of the highest gravity dams in the world. The dam's primary purposes include electricity generation and irrigation in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Hirakud Dam
Constructed across the Mahanadi River in Odisha, Hirakud Dam is one of the world's longest man-made dams. It is primarily used for irrigation, flood control, and power generation.
Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam, located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, is the highest dam in India. It serves the dual purpose of hydroelectric power production and water supply for irrigation.
Sardar Sarovar Dam
Built on the Narmada River in Gujarat, Sardar Sarovar Dam is a part of the Narmada Valley Project. It provides irrigation facilities to Gujarat and Rajasthan, and electricity generation for four Indian states.
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, constructed on the Krishna River, lies between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The dam provides irrigation water to the Nalgonda, Prakasam, Khammam, and Guntur districts.
Indira Gandhi Canal
Although not a dam, it's crucial to mention the Indira Gandhi Canal, which originates from the Harike Barrage at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers in Punjab. This canal system is one of the largest in India and primarily provides irrigation in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan.
Tungabhadra Dam
Tungabhadra Dam is built on the Tungabhadra River, a tributary of the Krishna River. Located in Karnataka, the dam provides irrigation and hydroelectricity to parts of Karnataka and Telangana.
| Dam | Location |
|---|---|
| Bhakra Nangal Dam | Himachal Pradesh |
| Hirakud Dam | Odisha |
| Tehri Dam | Uttarakhand |
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | Gujarat |
| Nagarjuna Sagar Dam | Andhra Pradesh & Telangana |
| Indira Gandhi Canal | Rajasthan |
| Tungabhadra Dam | Karnataka |
What is the largest dam in India, and what are its key features?
The Tehri Dam, located in Uttarakhand, is the tallest dam in India. It serves multiple purposes, including electricity generation, irrigation, and flood control, with a significant capacity for hydroelectric power production.
How do dams contribute to India's electricity supply?
Dams contribute significantly to India's electricity supply by harnessing the potential of hydroelectric power, a renewable energy source that plays a crucial role in the nation's energy mix.
What role do dams play in flood control and irrigation in India?
Dams are instrumental in controlling floods by regulating river flow and providing a reliable water supply for irrigation, supporting agriculture in various regions.
Conclusion
Understanding the importance and geographical location of key dams in India forms a crucial part of the UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus, primarily under Indian Geography. Aspirants should keep themselves updated with recent developments related to these dams, their significance, and the challenges associated with them.
This knowledge will enrich their answers and perspectives in both the Preliminary and Mains stages of the examination.