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.