Bisalpur Dam, Location, Features, Importance & Banas River

Bisalpur Dam is a major water reservoir built on the Banas River in the state of Rajasthan. It is located near the town of Tonk and plays an important role in supplying drinking water to cities like Jaipur and nearby areas. The dam is also used for irrigation, helping farmers in agriculture. Surrounded by hills and natural beauty, Bisalpur Dam is not only useful but also a peaceful place that attracts visitors for its scenic views and calm environment. 

About Bisalpur Dam

• Location and River: Bisalpur Dam is located in the Tonk district of Rajasthan near Deoli, and it is built on the Banas River (a tributary of the Chambal River); its location makes it a strategically important water source for nearby regions.
• Type of Dam: Bisalpur Dam is a Gravity Dam, meaning it is constructed using concrete and stone masonry, and it remains stable due to its own weight, which resists the pressure of stored water.
• Year of Construction: The construction of Bisalpur Dam began in 1987 and was completed in 1999, after which it became fully operational for water supply and irrigation purposes.
• Purpose of the Dam: The main purpose of Bisalpur Dam is to provide Drinking Water Supply to major cities like Jaipur and Ajmer, along with supporting Agricultural Irrigation, making it a key water resource project in Rajasthan.
• Water Storage Capacity: The Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of Bisalpur Dam is 315.50 metres, and it collects water from a large Catchment Area of 12,578 sq km, mainly during the monsoon season.
• Management and Maintenance: The dam is managed by the Rajasthan Water Supply Department (PHED), which ensures proper maintenance, water distribution, and supply management.
• Importance in Rajasthan: Bisalpur Dam plays a crucial role in a water-scarce state like Rajasthan by storing monsoon water and supplying it throughout the year, supporting both urban populations and farmers.

About Banas River

• Location and Origin: The Banas River is located in the state of Rajasthan and originates from the Aravalli Hills near Kumbhalgarh, which is a well-known hilly region; this origin gives the river its initial flow and direction across the state.
• Course and Flow: The river flows in a northeast direction, moving from the hills into the plains of Rajasthan, and after covering a long distance, it finally joins the Chambal River near the Sheopur area, making it an important part of the regional river system.
• Length of the River: The total length of the Banas River is approximately 500 km (around 310 miles), which makes it one of the longest rivers flowing entirely within Rajasthan.
• Seasonal Nature and Use: The Banas River is a seasonal river, meaning it mainly flows during the monsoon season and may become dry during the hot summer months; however, even with this limitation, it is still an important source of irrigation for farmers in the region.
• Tributaries: The major tributaries of the Banas River include the Berach River and the Kothari (Kotari) River, which help increase its water flow, especially during the rainy season, and support its overall river system.

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