Maharashtra is a state in western India and has a rich history. The state is also home to some of the most important dams in the country. In this Article, we will take a look at the salient features of some of these dams. We will also discuss the importance of dams and their role in society. Stay tuned for more information on the fascinating world of dams!
Importance of Dams for Maharashtra
Maharashtra is an important state in India, both politically and economically. The state is home to many industries and also has a significant agricultural sector. A major part of the state’s economy depends on its water resources.
Dams play a very important role in Maharashtra’s water management system. They help in irrigation, and drinking water supply, and also generate hydroelectric power. There are numerous dams in the state, which have been built for different purposes.
Types Of Dams
The different types of dams that are found in Maharashtra are:
- Gravity Dams: These are the most common type of dams and are built using concrete or stone. They rely on their weight to hold back the water. For Example, the Jayakwadi Dam is a gravity dam.
- Arch Dams: These dams are built using reinforced concrete and steel, and they rely on their shape to hold back the water. For Example, the Andra Valley Dam is an arch dam.
- Buttress Dams: These dams are built using concrete or stone, and they have a series of supports that help to hold back the water. For Example, the Bhulgad Dam is a buttress dam.
- Earthen Dams: These dams are built using soil and other materials, and they rely on their weight to hold back the water. For Example, the Bola Dam is an earthen dam.
Most Important Dams in Maharashtra
Some of the most important dams in Maharashtra are:
- Bhojapur Dam is located 42 kilometres from Sinnar, in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. The river’s name is Mahalungi, and the basin in which it exists is the Godavari. It was built for irrigation purposes in 1972.
- Bhokarbari Dam is located in Parola, Maharashtra. The Local Nallah River feeds into the basin of the Tapi Basin, which contains a masonry dam for irrigation purposes. In 1978, the year it was completed,
- The Bodhegaon Dam, located in the Bid District of Maharashtra, is a major irrigation project. The name of the stream flowing into it is the Godavari. The purpose of this dam is irrigation, and it was completed in 1971.
- Bola Dam is located in Bola, which is a small village in Parola taluka, Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. It lies approximately 46 kilometres from the town of Parola and 22 kilometres from the city of Jalgaon. The local nallah of the Tapi basin, which feeds The earthen dam for irrigation purposes, was completed in 1994.
- Bhagdeogoti Dam: The village of Mhaisal, located in the Gondia District in Maharashtra, is home to the Bhagdeogoti Dam. The Godavari River is a major tributary of the Narmada and flows through Maharashtra before emptying into it. The dam’s primary purpose was irrigation. It was completed in 1917.
- Bobdoh dam in Dharni, Maharashtra. Local Nallah of the Tapi Basin was created for irrigation purposes using an earthen dam and is located in Maharashtra. Irrigation was the main purpose of this dam.
- Bhulgad Dam is located in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra and was completed in 1980 as an Earthen type of dam built for irrigation purposes. It’s in a Local Nallah of Godavari Basin
- Andra Valley Dam is one of the most important irrigation projects in Maharashtra and is located in the Buldhana district. The dam was completed in 1965 and its main purpose is irrigation.
- Jayakwadi Dam is the largest irrigation project in Maharashtra and is located on the Godavari River in the Aurangabad district. It was completed in 1976 and its main purpose is irrigation.
- Koyna dam is located in the Western Ghats in Satara district, Maharashtra. The Koyna River is a tributary of the Krishna river, and the dam was built for hydroelectric power generation. It was completed in 1962 and is the largest dam in Maharashtra.
- Mula dam is located in the Mulshi taluka of Pune district in Maharashtra. The Mula river is a tributary of the Bhima River, and the dam was built for hydroelectric power generation. It was completed in 1974.
- Mulshi Dam is located in the Mulshi taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. The Mula River is a tributary of the Bhima River, and the dam was built for hydroelectric power generation. It was completed in 1974.
- Ujjani dam is located on the Bhima River in Solapur district, Maharashtra. The dam was built for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. It was completed in 1979.
- Jayakwadi Dam is the largest irrigation project in Maharashtra and is located on the Godavari River in the Aurangabad district. It was completed in 1976 and its main purpose is irrigation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the dams of Maharashtra are an important part of the state’s infrastructure and economy. They provide irrigation water for agricultural production, hydroelectric power for industry, and flood control for communities in the vicinity of the dam. The most important dams in Maharashtra are Bhojapur, Bodhegaon, Bhokarbari, Bola, Bodalkasa, Bobdoh, Bhulgad, Andra Valley, and Jayakwadi. Each of these dams has its unique features and benefits that make it an important asset to the state of Maharashtra. Thank you for reading! I hope this guide helped inform you about the dams of Maharashtra.