The earliest sources of dams can be traced in Mesopotamia and the Middle East.  The earliest dam was Jawa Dam in Jordan . The Jawa dam was a gravity dam and was situated at a distance of 100km from the capital. The dam dates back to 3000 BC.

Advantages of the Dams of Rajasthan

Dams provide a wide range of economic ,social , environmental and recreational benefits these are listed below -:

    1. Electricity generation –  Energy is an essential component in the socio- economic development of an area. Hydel power or hydro power is a renewable source of energy that is clean and cheap. This form of energy is regarded as the most advanced and a viable source of energy. Though the largest source of energy in the state of Rajasthan is thermal but the hydel power is better than the thermal energy in terms of lesser technical constraints in the hydel power stations and also the hydel power plants are capable of quick and instantaneous start.Electricity can be generated by water and used as when required – Hydroelectricity.As per the figures of 2020 it has been found that the installed capacity of Hydel power in MW is 1757.95 which is around 8.05 % of the total installed capacity.
    2. Irrigation – Dams are built to store surplus or excess water during monsoon or wet period which can be utilised in irrigating nearby fields in the state .Also as the flow is regulated water flow can be made based on the agricultural requirement of the cropland .Based on reports it has been found that by 2025 ,80percent of the additional food production will be possible only because if the irrigation by water from dams and reservoirs.These structures are crucial for meeting the irrigation demands of Arid regions in developing countries.Further their is a requirement of additional dams to cater to the water requirements.
    3. Water storage- Dams act as a reservoir that stores water during the monsoon ,floods and releases it in stipulated manner for agricultural purposes or for drinking during dry seasons .So storage of water is an important function of dams  as India is dependent on monsoon for water hence the storage of water during that time is important. Further the main reason to construct a reservoir is the variations in hydrological cycle.Water stored in reservoir is also used for Industrial purpose. A properly designed dam is essential for meeting the drinking water demand of the people.Also the flow through a reservoir or dam can be regulated which is used to dilute the harmful dissolved substances in river waters. The multi-purpose hydroelectric projects meet the drinking water, irrigation and flood control demands .
    4. Debris control – It has been found that dams retain the hazardous material or other harmful sedimentation from further spread .
    5. Flood control – Floods cause a large amount of damage to people and property and create havoc in their lives  . Dams can be used to control floods by effectively regulating the river water flows downstream the dam.The rise in sea levels that leads to flood can be controlled with the help of dams.Flood control dams capture the excess water and prevent the damage of life and property. Further this water is released into the river in controlled conditions .
    6. Recreational benefits -Dams play a great recreational role in areas that have scarce surface water. Dams have many recreational benefits like swimming, fishing , boating , camping etc.
    7. Navigation – Dams help in maintaining a stable river system which is helpful in efficient and smooth inland waterways transport. Dams enhance the inland navigation along with the presence of locks ,basin planning .

Conclusion

 In countries like India dams are crucial since rainfall is the major source of agriculture that means monsoon is crucial . Monsoon is a period during which the rivers get a lot of water . The storage of this water is the function of a dam. Dams are created for agricultural purposes, irrigation purposes , prevent floods ,waste management ,wildlife habitat and enhancing afforestation . Some of the important dams of Rajasthan are – Bilaspur Dam,Rana Pratap Sagar Dam ,Mahi Bajaj Dam, Meja Dam and Jawai Dam.