The dams of Rajasthan are majestic monuments of India’s water management. These dams have been instrumental in not only providing irrigation facilities to the arid and desert regions of Rajasthan but also in generating hydroelectric power, flood control and regulating river traffic. The state of Rajasthan has a rich history and is home to some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India. Let’s take a closer look at these magnificent dams that are an integral part of the history and culture of Rajasthan!
A Brief Overview On Dams Of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a state in the northwestern region of India. It covers an area of 342,239 square kilometres or 132,139 square miles. Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area and the seventh-largest by population. The state has a total population of 68 million people as of 2011. The capital and largest city of Rajasthan is Jaipur.
Rajasthan is divided into 33 districts, which are further subdivided into sub-districts. There are a total of 200 sub-districts in Rajasthan. The state has four National Highways passing through it with a total length of 12,350 kilometres or 7680 miles. Rajasthan also has two major airports: Jaipur International Airport and Udaipur Airport.
The state of Rajasthan is home to many dams, which provide irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
Popular Dams of Rajasthan
Some of the notable dams in Rajasthan are:
- The Jawahar Sagar Dam: The Jawahar Sagar Dam is located on the Chambal River in Kota district. It was constructed between 1955 and 1963. The dam has a height of 48 metres or 157 feet and a length of 1220 metres or 4000 feet. The dam has a gross storage capacity of 14.47 billion cubic metres or 512 million acre-feet.
- The Rana Pratap Sagar Dam: The Rana Pratap Sagar Dam is located on the Chambal River in the Sawai Madhopur district. It was constructed between 1955 and 1970. The dam has a height of 36.58 metres or 120 feet and a length of 1220 metres or 4000 feet. The dam has a gross storage capacity of 14.47 billion cubic metres or 512 million acre-feet.
- The Gandhi Sagar Dam: The Gandhi Sagar Dam is located on the Chambal River in the Baran district. It was constructed between 1960 and 1963. The dam has a height of 48 metres or 157 feet and a length of 1240 metres or 4070 feet. The dam has a gross storage capacity of 18.25 billion cubic metres or 640 million acre-feet.
The dams of Rajasthan are a testimony to the engineering prowess of the ancient Indians. These massive structures were built to store water for irrigation and drinking purposes. The state of Rajasthan has a rich history and is home to some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in India. The dams of Rajasthan are an integral part of the history and culture of Rajasthan!
Salient Features Of Dams Of Rajasthan
The dams of Rajasthan are not only a source of irrigation and drinking water for the people of the state but also play a crucial role in flood control. Some of the most famous dams in Rajasthan include the Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Rana Pratap Sagar Dam.
The Mahi Bajaj Sagar Dam is one of the largest dams in Rajasthan and is located on the river Mahi. The dam was constructed in 1974 and has a height of 115 metres. The Jawahar Sagar Dam is another important dam in Rajasthan and is located on the Chambal river. The dam was constructed in 1972 and has a height of 38 metres. The Rana Pratap Sagar Dam is the third largest dam in Rajasthan and is located on the Berach River. The dam was constructed in 1999 and has a height of 30 metres.
All three dams have been built for different purposes such as irrigation, drinking water supply, and flood control. However, all three dams have one thing in common and that is their majestic size and grandeur. These massive structures stand testimony to the engineering skills of the people of Rajasthan and are a must-visit for any traveller to the state.
Conclusion
The dams of Rajasthan are a true testament to the engineering prowess of the people of ancient India. These massive structures have stood the test of time, and continue to provide vital water resources for the people of Rajasthan. While many of these dams require repair and maintenance, they remain an essential part of India’s water management infrastructure. With proper care and attention, these majestic monuments will continue to serve the people of Rajasthan for generations to come.