List Of Top 10 Largest Dams In India And Their Major Contributions To The Nation: Hirakund, Koyna, Sardar Sarovar Dam And More

Top 10 Largest Dams In India: Some of the biggest and most spectacular dams in the world are built in India, and they are essential to the growth and prosperity of the nation. These enormous constructions are not only an example of engineering marvels, but they also provide drinking water, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Dams are now crucial for effectively managing water due to the nation's expanding population and rising resource demand. From providing electricity to supporting agriculture and controlling floods, each of these dams is an essential component of India's infrastructure, whether they are used for power generation or water storage for irrigation.

List Of The Top 10 Largest Dams In India By Reservoir Area 

Let's examine these engineering wonders in more detail and see how they support the nation's needs. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 largest dams in India, highlighting their sizes, locations and the various uses they serve. 

1. Hirakund Dam (Mahanadi River, Odisha)

Top 10 Largest Dams In India (Image: Canva)

Hirakund Dam is one of the biggest dams in India which is situated on the Mahanadi River in Odisha. It was made in 1957 and has a total area of 83,400 km². The dam has several uses, including irrigation, flood control and the production of hydroelectric power. It aids in the production of electricity and supplies water for irrigation to sizable portions of Odisha. Additionally, Hirakund is essential in defending the area against destructive floods.

2. Bansagar Dam (Sone River, Madhya Pradesh)

The Bansagar Dam, which was completed in 2006, is situated on the Sone River in Madhya Pradesh and spans 18,648 km². Its main function is irrigation, which provides local farmers with water for their crops. Along with providing drinking water for the surrounding areas, the dam also aids in flood control. It guarantees water availability all year round and promotes agriculture.

3. Indira Sagar Dam (Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh)

The Indira Sagar Dam, built on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, is the largest reservoir in India in terms of storage capacity, with 12.2 km3. The dam’s primary use is hydroelectric power generation, supplying electricity to a significant part of central India. It also plays a crucial role in irrigation and provides drinking water to many areas.

4. Koyna Dam (Koyna River, Maharashtra)

Located on the Koyna River in Maharashtra, the Koyna Dam covers an area of 891.78 km². It is mainly used for hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to Maharashtra's electricity supply. Additionally, the dam helps in irrigation and provides water to the nearby region. Its strategic location also aids in flood control during the monsoon season.

5. Idukki Dam (Periyar River, Kerala)

Top 10 Largest Dams In India (Image: Canva)

The Idukki Dam, located on the Periyar River in Kerala is primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, providing electricity to the state of Kerala. The dam also helps with irrigation and water storage for local agricultural needs. Its picturesque surroundings have made it an important site for tourism as well.

6. Srisailam Dam (Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana)

The Srisailam Dam, located on the Krishna River at the border of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, spans 616.42 km². It is used for irrigation, providing water to both states for agricultural purposes. The dam is also a significant source of hydroelectric power and plays a vital role in flood control. The dam helps regulate the flow of water to both regions and supports their economy.

7. Ukai Dam (Tapti River, Gujarat)

The Ukai Dam, located on the Tapti River in Gujarat, is mainly used for irrigation, supplying water to the surrounding agricultural areas. The dam also plays a crucial role in power generation, providing electricity to the region. Additionally, it helps in controlling floods and ensures water availability during dry spells.

8. Sriram Sagar Dam (Godavari River, Telangana)

The Sriram Sagar Dam, situated on the Godavari River in Telangana, covers 450.82 km². It is primarily used for irrigation, ensuring that farmers have water for their crops. The dam also plays an important role in the drinking water supply for nearby towns and cities. Its secondary purpose includes flood control during heavy rains.

9. Rihand Dam (Rihand River, Uttar Pradesh)

The Rihand Dam, located on the Rihand River in Uttar Pradesh, spans 450 km² and was completed in 1962. The dam is primarily used for hydroelectric power generation, supplying electricity to the northern region. It also helps with irrigation and provides water to local agricultural areas. Additionally, the dam is used for flood control and serves as a source of drinking water for nearby regions.

10. Sardar Sarovar Dam (Narmada River, Gujarat)

Top 10 Largest Dams In India (Image: Canva)

The Sardar Sarovar Dam, located on the Narmada River in Gujarat, covers 375.33 km² and was completed in 2017. The dam is one of the largest in India and is mainly used for irrigation, providing water to dry regions in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. It also helps with hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply. The dam plays an essential role in flood control and is a symbol of India’s large-scale water management projects.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Biggest Hydroelectric Power Plants In India: Future Mega 11,000 MW Project Revealed