The state of Maharashtra is home to some of the most impressive dams in India. These structures are not only stunning to look at, but they also play a vital role in the region’s economy and ecology. If you’re looking for an interesting road trip destination, be sure to add these 10 dams to your list!
A Brief Note On Dams In Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a long and complex history with dams. The state has been home to some of the largest and most controversial dams in India. The state has over 100 dams, most of which are located in the Western Ghats.
The largest dam in Maharashtra is the Koyna Dam, located in the Satara district. The dam is built on the Koyna River and supplies water to Mumbai and Pune. The second-largest dam in the state is the Mulshi Dam, located in the Pune district.
The Mulshi Dam supplies water to Pune city and its surrounding areas. The third-largest dam in Maharashtra is the Bhama Askhed Dam, located in the Raigad district. The Bhama Askhed Dam supplies water to Mumbai city and its surrounding areas.
Dams play an important role in irrigation, flood control, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Maharashtra has a long history of dam construction, dating back to the British Raj.
During the British Raj, several dams were built in Maharashtra for irrigation and drinking water supply. The most notable of these is the Koyna Dam, which was completed in 1923. The dam is located on the Koyna River in the Satara district and supplies water to Mumbai and Pune.
After independence, many more dams were built in Maharashtra for irrigation, flood control, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. The most notable of these are the Bhama Askhed Dam, located in the Raigad district; the Radhanagari Dam, located in Kolhapur district; and the Shivani Dam, located in Sindhudurg district.
Today, Maharashtra has over 100 dams, most of which are located in the Western Ghats. The state is home to the largest dam in India, the Koyna Dam, as well as the second-largest dam in the country, the Mulshi Dam.
10 Popular Dams Of Maharashtra
Dams are one the engineering marvels which have stood the test of time. These massive structures not only provide irrigation and drinking water to nearby villages and towns but also generate hydroelectricity. Maharashtra, being a drought-prone state, has built many dams across its length and breadth to ensure a constant water supply throughout the year. Here are the top ten dams of Maharashtra that are popular tourist destinations.
- Bhivpuri Dam: Located in the Karjat district, the Bhivpuri dam is a gravity dam built across the River Ulhas. The scenic views and natural surroundings make it a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. The dam also provides irrigation facilities to the nearby villages
- Dhom Dam: Situated in the Wai taluka of Satara district, the Dhom dam is built on the River Vienna. The scenic views of the Sahyadri mountains and the tranquil waters make it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The dam also provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Koyna Dam: Koyna dam is a gravity dam built across the Koyna River in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest dams in India and one of the busiest tourist spots in Maharashtra. The dam provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to the surrounding areas
- Panshet Dam: Panshet Dam is a gravity dam built across the Ambi River in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist spots in the state and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Talaipalli Dam: Talaipalli dam is a gravity dam built across the Nira River in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest dams in India and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Walwyn Dam: Walwan dam is a gravity dam built across the Walwan River in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist spots in the state and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Warna Dam: Warna dam is a gravity dam built across the Warna River in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist spots in the state and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Dhupgarh Dam: Dhupgarh dam is a gravity dam built across the Dhupgarh River in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist spots in the state and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Gargoti Dam: Gargoti dam is a gravity dam built across the Gargoti River in the Nanded district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist spots in the state and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
- Nira Dam: Nira dam is a gravity dam built across the Nira River in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist spots in the state and provides irrigation and drinking water facilities to the nearby villages
These are the top ten dams of Maharashtra that are popular tourist destinations. These dams not only provide irrigation and drinking water to the surrounding areas but also generate hydroelectricity.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s history with dams is lengthy and complicated. The state has been home to several of India’s biggest and most contentious dams. Maharashtra has over 100 reservoirs, the majority of which are found in the Western Ghats. Dams are an integral part of Maharashtra’s landscape and culture. They provide irrigation for crops, drinking water for cities, hydroelectric power, and flood control. Each dam has its own story and importance.