Top 10 Biggest Dam In Gujarat 2023

Gujarat, a state in western India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and economic prosperity. Amidst its diverse landscapes, one can find impressive examples of engineering and water management in the form of massive dams. These structures play a vital role in providing irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water to millions of people in the region. In this article, we will explore the top 10 biggest dam in Gujarat, marvels that stand tall as a testament to human ingenuity and determination.

1. Sardar Sarovar Dam

Sardar Sarovar Dam is a concrete gravity dam built on the Narmada River in Navagam near the town of Kevadiya, Narmada District, in the state of Gujarat, India. The dam was constructed to provide water and electricity to four Indian states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.

The dam is 1210 meters long and 138.68 meters high. It has a gross storage capacity of 5860 MCM (4.75 million acre feet) and an installed capacity of 1450 MW.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is one of the largest dams in India and the world. It is a controversial project, with some people arguing that it will displace thousands of people and damage the environment.

Despite the controversy, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is a significant project that will provide water and electricity to millions of people in India.

Here are some additional details about the Sardar Sarovar Dam:

• The dam was constructed between 1961 and 2017.
• The dam is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first deputy prime minister of India.
• The dam is a multipurpose dam that is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
• The dam has displaced over 200,000 people.
• The dam has been criticized for its environmental impact, including the displacement of wildlife and the siltation of downstream rivers.
• The dam is a significant project that will provide water and electricity to millions of people in India.

2. Ukai Dam

• Ukai Dam is a masonry dam on the Tapi River in the Surat district of Gujarat, India. It is the second-largest dam in Gujarat and the 14th-largest dam in India.
• The dam was constructed between 1953 and 1960. It is a multipurpose dam that is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
• The dam has a gross storage capacity of 4,996 MCM (3.9 million acre feet) and an installed capacity of 300 MW.
• The dam irrigates an area of 1,72,000 hectares (425,000 acres) in Surat, Bharuch, and Navsari districts of Gujarat.
• The dam provides drinking water to the city of Surat and its surrounding areas.
• The dam generates hydroelectricity, which is used to meet the power demand of Surat and its surrounding areas.
• The dam has been a critical infrastructure in Gujarat, providing water and electricity to millions of people. It has also helped to control floods in the Tapi River basin.

The Ukai Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

Also Read Top 10 Tourist Places In Gujarat 2023

3. Dharoi Dam

• Dharoi Dam is a gravity dam on the Sabarmati River in Mehsana district of Gujarat, India. It is the fourth-largest dam in Gujarat and the 17th-largest dam in India.
• The dam was constructed between 1971 and 1978. It is a multipurpose dam that is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
• The dam has a gross storage capacity of 907.88 MCM (6.9 million acre feet) and an installed capacity of 120 MW.
• The dam irrigates an area of 81,754 hectares (202,000 acres) in Mehsana, Sabarkantha, and Gandhinagar districts of Gujarat.
• The dam provides drinking water to the city of Ahmedabad and its surrounding areas.
• The dam generates hydroelectricity, which is used to meet the power demand of Ahmedabad and its surrounding areas.
• The dam has been a critical infrastructure in Gujarat, providing water and electricity to millions of people. It has also helped to control floods in the Sabarmati River basin.

The Dharoi Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

4. Kadana Dam

Kadana Dam is an earthen and masonry dam on the Mahi River in Mahisagar district of Gujarat, India. The dam was constructed between 1979 and 1990. The dam supports a pumped-storage hydroelectric power-station. The first two generators were commissioned in 1990, the second two in 1998. The first two generators commissioned, Stage I, are reversible kaplan turbines that allow the power station to generate electricity during peak hours then pump it back into the reservoir during low demand hours such as night.

Kadana Dam is a major source of irrigation water for the Mahisagar district. The dam also generates hydroelectric power, which is used to meet the power demand of Gujarat. Kadana Dam is a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Here are some additional details about Kadana Dam:

• The dam is 109.5 meters high and 3,800 meters long.
• The dam has a gross storage capacity of 7,370 MCM (5.5 million acre feet).
• The dam has an installed capacity of 1,200 MW.
• The dam irrigates an area of 1,40,000 hectares (350,000 acres) in Mahisagar district.
• The dam generates 1,200 GWh of electricity per year.

Kadana Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

5. Wanakbori Dam

Wanakbori Dam is a gravity dam on the Mahi River in Vadodara district of Gujarat, India. It was constructed between 1969 and 1972. The dam is a major source of irrigation water for the Vadodara district. The dam also generates hydroelectric power, which is used to meet the power demand of Gujarat. Wanakbori Dam is a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Here are some additional details about Wanakbori Dam:

• The dam is 36 meters high and 2,800 meters long.
• The dam has a gross storage capacity of 2,000 MCM (1.4 million acre feet).
• The dam has an installed capacity of 60 MW.
• The dam irrigates an area of 50,000 hectares (124,000 acres) in Vadodara district.
• The dam generates 60 GWh of electricity per year.

Wanakbori Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

6. Kamleshwar Dam

Kamleshwar Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam on the Hiran River in Gujarat, India. It is located in the Gir forest, near the town of Visavadar. The dam was constructed between 1959 and 1965 and is named after the Hindu goddess Kamleshwari.

The dam is 120 meters (390 feet) high and 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) long. It has a gross storage capacity of 1,000 MCM (73 million acre-feet) and an installed capacity of 120 MW.

The dam is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is also a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

The dam has been criticized for its environmental impact, including the displacement of wildlife and the siltation of downstream rivers. However, it has also been praised for its economic benefits, such as providing irrigation water for agriculture and hydroelectric power for industry.

Kamleshwar Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

7. Sukhi Dam

Sukhi Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam on the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, India. It is located in the Mehsana district, near the town of Karjan. The dam was constructed between 1987 and 1991 and is named after the Gujarati word for “dry”.

The dam is 90 meters (295 feet) high and 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) long. It has a gross storage capacity of 400 MCM (30 million acre-feet) and an installed capacity of 60 MW.

The dam is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is also a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

The dam has been criticized for its environmental impact, including the displacement of wildlife and the siltation of downstream rivers. However, it has also been praised for its economic benefits, such as providing irrigation water for agriculture and hydroelectric power for industry.

Sukhi Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

8. Und Dam

Und Dam is a dam on the Tapi River in Vadodara district of Gujarat, India. It is located near the town of Und. The dam was constructed between 1973 and 1977 and is named after the village of Und.

The dam is 36 meters (118 feet) high and 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) long. It has a gross storage capacity of 2,000 MCM (1.4 million acre-feet) and an installed capacity of 60 MW.

The dam is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is also a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

The dam has been criticized for its environmental impact, including the displacement of wildlife and the siltation of downstream rivers. However, it has also been praised for its economic benefits, such as providing irrigation water for agriculture and hydroelectric power for industry.

Und Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

9. Hiran-I Dam

Hiran-I Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam on the Hiran River in Gujarat, India. It is located in the Gir forest, near the town of Visavadar. The dam was constructed between 1959 and 1965 and is named after the Hindu goddess Kamleshwari.

The dam is 120 meters (390 feet) high and 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) long. It has a gross storage capacity of 1,000 MCM (73 million acre-feet) and an installed capacity of 120 MW.

The dam is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is also a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

The dam has been criticized for its environmental impact, including the displacement of wildlife and the siltation of downstream rivers. However, it has also been praised for its economic benefits, such as providing irrigation water for agriculture and hydroelectric power for industry.

Hiran-I Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

Here are some additional details about Hiran-I Dam:

• The dam is owned and operated by the Gujarat State Electricity Board.
• The dam is a major source of irrigation water for the Gir forest.
• The dam generates hydroelectric power, which is used to meet the power demand of Gujarat.
• The dam is a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Hiran-I Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

10. Machchhu-I Dam

Machchhu-I Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam on the Machchhu River in Gujarat, India. It is located in the Junagadh district, near the town of Bhuj. The dam was constructed between 1959 and 1965 and is named after the Hindu goddess Machchheshwari.

The dam is 120 meters (390 feet) high and 2,800 meters (9,200 feet) long. It has a gross storage capacity of 1,000 MCM (73 million acre-feet) and an installed capacity of 120 MW.

The dam is used for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. It is also a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

The dam has been criticized for its environmental impact, including the displacement of wildlife and the siltation of downstream rivers. However, it has also been praised for its economic benefits, such as providing irrigation water for agriculture and hydroelectric power for industry.

Machchhu-I Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

Here are some additional details about Machchhu-I Dam:

• The dam is owned and operated by the Gujarat State Electricity Board.
• The dam is a major source of irrigation water for the Junagadh district.
• The dam generates hydroelectric power, which is used to meet the power demand of Gujarat.
• The dam is a popular tourist destination, and offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking.

Machchhu-I Dam is a significant project that has had a major impact on the development of Gujarat. It is a symbol of the state’s progress and its ability to overcome challenges.

Conclusion

Gujarat’s landscape, blessed with mighty rivers and vast plains, has been shaped and transformed by a series of remarkable dams. These engineering marvels stand tall as symbols of human ingenuity, ushering in an era of socio-economic development and environmental progress for the state.

From the awe-inspiring Sardar Sarovar Dam, harnessing the power of the Narmada River and illuminating homes with electricity, to the resourceful Hiran-I Dam, nourishing farmlands and empowering farmers with sustainable water management, each dam plays a unique role in shaping Gujarat’s destiny.

The top 10 biggest dams in Gujarat, born out of vision and determination, serve as lifelines for the region. They offer irrigation water for fertile fields, power for industries, drinking water for communities, and a lifeline for diverse ecosystems. These dams have not only propelled economic growth but also uplifted the lives of millions, creating opportunities and prosperity along their banks.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)