Dams in Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land of lakes and rivers. Extensive river systems and numerous lakes dot the enchanting landscape of Rajasthan. The important rivers which flow through Rajasthan are the Chambal, the Yamuna, the Sarvari, the Ghaghara, the Gambhir, the Banas and the Parbati. 

The most important lakes in Rajasthan are the Sambhar Salt Lake, the Pichola lake in Udaipur, the Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur, the Jaisamand lake, the Ranthambore lake and the Pushkar lake.

Dams are an essential part of the ecosystem in Rajasthan. They are responsible for maintaining water levels in reservoirs and providing irrigation for crops. In the past, dams have been used to generate power. Still, nowadays, the primary purpose of the Rajasthan dams is to protect the environment and improve the quality of life for people living downstream.

Dams Of Rajasthan Salient Feature

• Dam Name: Survaniya / Survavia

Nearest city: Banswara

District: Banswara

State: Rajasthan

Name of the river: Borwat / Ghotia

Basin: Mahi

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1964

• Dam Name: Talia

Nearest city: Pratapgarh

District: Pratapgarh

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Local Nala / Rupareli

Basin: Mahi

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1986

• Dam Name: Taklik

Nearest city: Kota

District: Kota

State: Rajasthan

Name of the river: Taklik

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

• Dam Name: Tasia

State: Rajasthan

Basin: Ganga

• Dam Name: Titora

Nearest city: Jahajpur

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Local Nala

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1982

• Dam Name: Crate

Nearest city: Sirohi

District: Sirohi

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Tokra

Basin: West flowing rivers of Kutch and Saurashtra, including Lunis

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1959

• Dam Name: Swaroop Sagar

Nearest city: Girwa

District: Udaipur

State: Rajasthan

Name of the river: Berachu

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Soil + Gravity

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1795

• Dam Name: Uday Sagar

Nearest city: Girwa

District: Udaipur

State: Rajasthan

Name of the river: Berachu

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay + Concrete

Purpose of Dam: Drinking Water and Water Supply

Year of Completion: 1585

• Dam Name: Umaid/Umaid Sagar (Baran)

Nearest city: Shahpura

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Kharik

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: Old Price

• Dam Name: Umaid/Umaid/Umaid Sagar (Bhilwara)

State: Rajasthan

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

• Dam Name: Tordi Sagar

Nearest city: Malpura

District: Jaipur

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Sohdara/Sodra

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1887

• Dam Name: Uchha

Nearest city: Nimbahera

District: Chittorgarh

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Local Nala

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1984

• Dam Name: Urmila Sagar

Nearest city: Dholpur

District: Dholpur

State: Rajasthan

River Name: Parbati

Basin: Ganga

Dam Type: Clay

Purpose of Dam: Irrigation

Year of Completion: 1905

• Dam Name: Utawali

State: Rajasthan

Basin: Ganga Lakes and rivers in Rajasthan

Types Of Dams In Rajasthan

There are different dams in Rajasthan. The dam features are unique and have their own benefits. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of dams in Rajasthan:

• Gravity dams: Gravity dams are built across a valley, with the dam’s weight providing the main force to hold back the water. Gravity dams are usually made of concrete and are very strong.

• Arch dams: These are curved, with the curve facing upstream. This shape helps to resist the pressure of the water behind the dam. Arch dams are typically made of concrete or masonry.

• Buttress dams: These have a series of triangular buttresses on either side of the dam. The buttresses help to support and strengthen the dam. Buttress dams are typically made of concrete or masonry.

5 Famous Dams In Rajasthan

Jawai Dam

Jawai Dam, also known as the Rajasthan Dam, is a gravity dam on the Sutlej River in Rajasthan, India. It is located in Tonk district, about 60 km southeast of Jaipur. The dam was commissioned in 1992, and it became operational in 1994. The main purpose of the dam is irrigation and power generation.

Meja Dam

Meja Dam is a series of dams built across the Chambal River in Rajasthan, India. The project was initiated by the then Rajasthan Chief Minister, Keshubhai Patel, in the early 1980s and was completed in 1987. The project has been identified as a mega-tourism attraction and is also a significant source of hydroelectric power for the state.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam is one of the most iconic dams in Rajasthan. It is the tallest dam in Asia and the ninth tallest dam globally. The dam was inaugurated on October 2, 1976, by then Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi. The dam has a total storage capacity of 13,519 million cubic feet (342.5 km3).

The dam is strategically located between two major states, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam

Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station in Rajasthan and is known for its lakes and dams. There are 9 dams in Mahabaleshwar: Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam, Mahi Madhab Sagar Dam, Mahi Sarovar Dam, Mahi Rani Sagar Dam, Mahi Someshwar Sagar Dam, Mahi Vishwanath Sagar Dam, Mahi Venkateshwara Sagar Dam, and Mahi Dhoka. These dams provide irrigation to the region and are a significant tourist attraction.

Bisalpur Dam

Bisalpur Dam (Dams in Rajasthan) is a concrete gravity dam on the Banas River, southeast of Udaipur city in Rajasthan, India. It was constructed between 1974 and 1981 and started producing power in 1984. The dam is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan.

Conclusion

Dams have a significant impact on the environment, both positively and negatively. Positive effects of dams include the prevention of floods and improving water resources. Dams also help to conserve water and reduce deforestation. Negative impacts of dams include the displacement of people, the loss of animal habitats, and methane gas production.

Despite these drawbacks, dams remain an essential part of the Rajasthan landscape. They provide significant economic benefits to the state and help protect people and ecosystems from natural disasters.