List of Important Rivers and Dams in India with State

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A dam is a barrier built across a river or stream for many purposes like irrigation, flood control, and generation of electricity. It contains and controls the flow of water, creating a reservoir or lake. Dams are constructed for various purposes, such as water supply, irrigation, flood control, hydropower generation, and recreation. They are typically made of concrete, earth, or rock.

Dams may have features like spillways and gates. These features are used to manage the water levels and flow. Dams can have significant impacts on the surrounding environment and ecosystems. Construction of the dam requires careful planning and management. There are many important rivers and dams in India. These rivers and dams are the heart of the country’s agricultural growth.

Major Types of Important Dams in India

1. Gravity Dams:
Gravity dams are constructed using concrete. They rely on their weight. It helps resist the horizontal pressure of the water behind them. These dams are made in locations with solid bedrock and can range in height from low to very high. 

Gravity Dam- Important Dams in India

2. Arch Dams:
Arch dams are curved structures that resist water pressure. They transfer the pressure to the valley sides. They are mainly made of concrete. Arch dams are suited for narrow canyons or gorges, where the abutments can support the lateral thrust.

3. Buttress Dams:
Buttress dams are similar to gravity dams but have a series of many supports which are called buttresses. They are placed on the downstream side to resist the water pressure. These dams are commonly used in locations with softer foundation materials.

4. Embankment Dams:
Also known as earth fill dams, embankment dams are constructed using compacted earth, rock, sand, and sometimes concrete. They are built in areas where the foundation and abutments are suitable for supporting the weight of the dam.

5. Arch-Gravity Dams:
Arch-gravity dams combine the characteristics of both arch and gravity dams, using the arch shape to transfer some of the water pressure to the abutments while relying on their weight to resist the remaining pressure.

rivers and dams in india

These are the types of famous dams in India, based on their specific design and construction.

Importance of Rivers and Dams in India

India is a country full of rivers. Rivers and dams in India play a significant role in the country’s development and growth in several ways. Most of them are discussed here:

1. Water Management:

Buttress Dam

Dams help in the management and conservation of water resources. It is very crucial for agricultural, industrial, and domestic use. They store water during the rainy season and release it during the dry season. Dams provide a consistent water supply for irrigation and drinking purposes. Today, climate change is a concern for everyone. Dams can help fight against critical climate situations. Droughts and floods in India can easily be controlled by building dams.

2. Hydroelectric Power Generation:

Many dams in India are used for hydroelectric power generation, which is an essential source of renewable energy. It helps meet the increasing demand for electricity and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, today, the world is heading towards a zero carbon policy. This pollution-free energy resource can help India towards a zero-carbon policy.

3. Flood Control:

Dams help mitigate the impact of floods by regulating the flow of water in rivers and preventing sudden peaks in water levels. These dams help in protecting low-lying areas and reducing the loss of life and property during floods.

4. Irrigation:

Arch Dam

India is a country that depends on its agriculture for food. Dams provide water for irrigation to a large area of agricultural land. Dams increase crop productivity. It also contributes to food security in the country.

5. Tourism and Recreation:

Tourism is the backbone of many country’s economic growth. Many famous dams in India provide opportunities for tourism and many other recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, which contributes to local economies and the overall tourism industry.

Overall, dams in India play a crucial role in water management, energy generation, flood control, irrigation, and sustainable development, making them an essential part of the country’s infrastructure and economy.

List of Dams in India with River and State PDF

Here we have listed the rivers and dams in India in a table format. This Table has been listed according to the alphabetical order of state and rivers.

You can download the list of dams in India with river and state pdf from here.

List of Dams in India with River and State PDF: –

State 

Dam

River 

Andhra Pradesh 

 

 

 

Nagarjunasagar Dam 

Krishna

Somasila Dam 

Pennar

Nizam Sagar Dam 

Manjira

Ramagundam 

Godavari

Srisailam Dam

Krishna

Kalyani Dam 

Swarnamukhi

Veligallu Dam 

Papagni

Singur dam

Manjira

Jalaput Dam (AP and Odisha Border)

Machkund River

Tatipudi Reservoir 

Gosthani

Gandipalem Reservoir 

Pillaperu

Gandikota Reservoir 

Penna

Arunachal Pradesh 

Dibang 

Dibang

Ranganadi 

Ranganadi

Bihar 

Nagi Dam 

Nagi River

Chhattisgarh 

Dudhawa dam 

Mahanadi

Minimata Bango (Hasdeo) 

Hasdeo

Gangreal Dam (R.S. Sagar) 

Mahanadi

Kutaghat 

Kharang

Gujarat 

Sardar Sarovar Dam 

Narmada

Ukai Dam 

Tapi

Dantiwada 

West Banas

Kandana 

Mahi

Kamleshwar 

Hiran

Dharoi 

Sabarmathi

Dholidhaja 

Bhogavo

Karjan dam 

Karjan

Himachal Pradesh 

 

 

Bhakra Nangal Dam 

Sutlej

Maharana Pratap Sagar  Reservoir/Pong Dam Lake

Beas River

NathpaJakhri Dam 

Sutlej

Pong Dam 

Beas

Gobind Sagar Reservoir 

Sutlej

Pandoh Dam 

Beas

Chamera Dam 

Ravi

Koldam 

Sutlej

Kishau 

Tons

Jammu and Kashmir 

Salal Dam 

Chenab

Uri Dam 

Jhelum

Baglihar Dam 

Chenab

Cholal Dam 

Cholal Choe

Chutak Hydroelectric Plant 

Suru

Nimoo Bazgo Hydroelectric  Plant

Indus

Jharkhand 

Panchet 

Damodar

Maithon 

Barakar

Konar Dam 

Konar

Tenughat 

Damodar

Chandil 

Subarnarekha

Karnataka 

 

 

Tunga Bhadra 

Thunga Bhadra

Krishnaraja Sagar 

Kaveri

Basava Sagar Dam(  Narayanpur)

Krishna

Almatti 

Krishna

Bhadra 

Bhadra

Hemavathi 

Hemavathi

Hidkal 

Ghataprabha

Malaprabha 

Malaprabha

Linganamakki 

Sharavathi

Supa 

Kalinadi (Kali) River

Lakhya 

Lakya

Kodasalli Dam 

Kali

Ghataprabha Reservoir 

Ghataprabha

Hemavathi Reservoir 

Hemavathi

Kerala 

Cheruthoni 

Periyar river

Idukki Arch Dam 

Periyar

Walayar 

Walayar

Kulamavu 

Kaliyar

Idamalayar 

Edamalayar/ Periyar

Kakki 

Kakki

Mullai periyar 

Periyar

Neyyar Dam 

Neyyar

Parambikulam 

Parambikulam

Banasura Sagar 

Kabini

Malampuzha 

Malampuzha

Ladakh 

Dumkar Hydroelectric Dam 

Indus

Madhya Pradesh 

Indira Sagar Dam 

Narmada

Gandhi Sagar Dam 

Chambal

Bansagar 

Son

Rajghat 

Betwa

Madikheda Dam 

Sindh River

Omkareshwar 

Narmada

Tawa 

Tawa

Bargi 

Narmada

Maharashtra 

 

Koyna 

Koyna River

Ujjani

Bhima

Bhatsa 

Bhatsa& Chorna River

Isapur Dam 

Penganga

Jayakwadi (Paithan) 

Godavari

Totladoh 

Pench

Warna 

Warna

Yeldari 

Purna

Mulshi 

Mula

Panshet 

Ambi

Girna 

Girna and Godavari  River

Radhanagiri 

Bhogawati

Khadakwasla 

Mutha

Gangapur Dam

Maharashtra

Vaitarna 

Vaitarna

Odisha 

Hirakud 

Mahanadi

Indravati 

Indravati

Mandira 

Sankh

Muran 

Muran

Rengali 

Brahmni

Kapur 

Kapur

Upper Kolab 

Kolab

Podagada 

Podagada

Balimela Reservoir 

Sileru

Punjab 

Bakhra Nangal Dam 

Bakhra Nangal

Ranjit Sagar (Thein) Dam 

Ranjit Sagar (Thein)

Siswan Dam 

Siswan

Damsal Dam 

Damsal

Rajasthan 

 

Jawahar Sagar 

Chambal

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam 

Chambal

Mahai Bajaj Sagar Dam 

Mahi

Bisalpur 

Banas

Jawai 

Jawai/ Luni

Tamilnadu 

Mettur Dam 

Cauvery River

Bhavani Sagar 

Bhavani River

Aliyar 

Aliyar

Amaravathi 

Amaravathi

Sholaiyar 

Sholaiyar

Vaigai 

Vaigai

Chittar 

Chittar

Pechiparai 

Kodayar

Manimuthar 

Manimuthar

Perunchani 

Paralayar

Telangana 

Srisailam 

Krishna

NizamSagar 

Manjira

SriramSagar 

Godavari

Dindi Reservoir 

Krishna

Ramagundam 

Godavari

Singur 

Manjira

Somasila 

Pennar

Manair 

Manair

Uttar Pradesh 

Govind Ballabh Pant /Rihand Dam

Rihand

Rajghat 

Betwa

Matatila 

Betwa

Dhanraul 

Ghaghar

Parichha 

Betwa

Uttarakhand 

Tehri 

Bhagirathi

Dhauli Ganga 

Dhauli Ganga River

Ramganga 

Ramganga

Lakhwar 

Yamuna

Koteshwar 

Bhagirathi

West Bengal 

Farakka barrage 

Ganga

Panchet Dam 

Damodar

Kangsabati 

Kangsabati

List of PDF link here- 

Interesting Facts on Important Dams in India

  • Largest Dam in India is Sardar Sarovar Dam.
  • Highest Dam in India is Tehri Dam.
  • First Dam in India is Kallanai Dam or Grand Anicut.
  • Smallest Dam in India Pillur Dam in Tamil Nadu.
  • Highest Gravity Dam in India is Tehri Dam.
  • Longest Dam in India is Hirakud Dam.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the list of dams in India with river and state details in PDF format is essential in the context of your upcoming examinations. Dams hold a significant role in India’s water resource management and infrastructure development. India is a nation marked by diverse geographical features and a network of rivers. Understanding the distribution and characteristics of these dams becomes crucial for various purposes, particularly in the realm of competitive exams and broader national planning.

Embankment Dam

For India, where agriculture is a primary economic driver, dams play a pivotal role in irrigation. It ensures water availability for crops throughout the year. Additionally, the hydroelectric power generated by these dams contributes significantly to the country’s energy needs, fostering sustainable development. The details provided in the PDF offer a consolidated overview of the nation’s water infrastructure, aiding policymakers, researchers, and engineers in making informed decisions about water allocation, flood control, and power generation.

Significance of Famous Dams of India in Exams

In the context of competitive exams, where knowledge about India’s geography, infrastructure, and environmental concerns is essential, the list of dams in India proves to be a valuable resource. Aspiring candidates preparing for exams such as the Civil Services, Engineering Services, and state-level public service exams can benefit from a comprehensive understanding of these dams. Questions related to the rivers on which dams are constructed, their states, and their significance often feature prominently in such examinations.

Moreover, the PDF document serves as a quick reference guide, facilitating efficient and focused preparation. It enables exam candidates to grasp the geographical distribution of dams, understand the river basins, and appreciate the interconnectedness of India’s water resources. This knowledge is not only instrumental for securing high scores in exams but also for fostering a great understanding of the country’s infrastructural landscape.

In the broader national context, the list of dams in India is a testament to the nation’s commitment to harnessing its natural resources for the benefit of its people. It reflects the engineering prowess and strategic planning that have gone into creating a robust network of dams to address various societal needs. As India continues to evolve, ensuring sustainable water management and infrastructure development remains a crucial priority, making this topic not only relevant for exams but also integral to the nation’s progress. In conclusion, the list of dams in India with river and state details encapsulates the synergy between natural resources, engineering ingenuity, and strategic planning. Its significance extends beyond exam preparation to encompass the broader narrative of India’s journey toward sustainable development and effective water resource utilization.

Source: Google, and Wikipedia

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The First Dam in India Built on Which River?

The first dam in India is believed to be the Kallanai Dam, also known as the Grand Anicut. It is the oldest dam in India. It was built across the Kaveri River in the state of Tamil Nadu by the Chola king Karikalan around the 2nd century AD. The Kallanai Dam is one of the oldest water-diversion or water-regulator structures in the world and is still in use for irrigation purposes.

Which is the Smallest Dam in India?

The Pillur Dam, located in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, is considered to be the smallest dam in India. It is a small masonry dam built across the Pillur River, a tributary of the Bhavani River. This dam primarily serves as a water supply and irrigation source for the surrounding agricultural lands. Its small size and capacity make it the smallest dam in India. The capacity of this dam is 52 lakh litres.It is divided into two compartments

What is the name of Highest Gravity Dam in India?

The highest gravity dam in India is the Tehri Dam. It is located on the River Bhagirathi in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the tallest dams in the world and stands at the height of 260.5 meters (855 feet), and has a capacity of 2,400 MW of electricity generation. The dam is a significant hydropower and water resource project in India, and its construction was completed in 2006.

Which is the Largest Dam in India?

The largest dam in India is the Sardar Sarovar Dam. It is located on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat. It is a concrete gravity dam and stands at a height of 163 meters (535 feet). The Sardar Sarovar Dam is also one of the largest dams in the world in terms of volume and concrete used in its construction. This multipurpose dam provides water for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation.

Which is the Longest Dam in India?

Hirakud Dam on Mahanadi river is marked as the longest dam in India. This Dam is located in Odisha and spans the Mahanadi River. The dam is about 26 kilometers (16 miles) in length and was completed in 1957. Hirakud Dam was constructed for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. 

Which is the Highest Dam of India?

The Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is a multipurpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam on the Bhagirathi River and stands at a height of 260.5 meters (855 feet). The dam was completed in 2006 and serves purposes like hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply.

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