Dams in India, State Wise List, Longest & Highest Dams in India

India, often referred to as the land of rivers, surrounded the Himalayas in the north, the plateaus in central India, and the Western and Eastern Ghats in the south along the oceanic boundaries. These varied terrains provide an ideal setting for dam construction. With approximately 4,300 large dams already built and several more under development, India continues to expand its water management infrastructure through projects aimed at irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.

List of Dams in India

Below in the table is the List of Dams in India as they play a crucial role in water conservation, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. 

Longest Dam in India

Hirakud Dam, the longest dam in India, stretches over 25.79 km across the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur district, Odisha. Completed in 1953, this composite dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. It has a total reservoir capacity of 47,79,965 acre-feet, making it one of the most significant water infrastructure projects in India.

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Highest Dam in India

Tehri Dam, standing at 260.5 meters, is the tallest dam in India and ranks 12th among the tallest dams in the world. Constructed on the Bhagirathi River in New Tehri, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, this massive structure plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply. The dam has a length of 575 meters, and its first phase was completed in 2006. It operates under THDC India Ltd. and is a key component of the Tehri Hydroelectric Complex.

Oldest Dam in India

The Kallanai Dam, built on the Kaveri River, is the oldest dam in India and one of the oldest water-regulation structures in the world still in use. Located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, it was originally constructed between 100 BC and 100 AD by the Chola king Karikalan. The dam continues to serve as a crucial irrigation structure, benefiting agriculture in the region. Today, it is operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu and remains a remarkable testament to ancient Indian engineering expertise.

Uses of Dams in India

• Water Supply for Domestic and Urban Use – Dams help in storing and supplying water for households, cities, and industries, ensuring a consistent and reliable source of clean water.
• Irrigation Support – They provide essential water resources for agriculture, helping farmers sustain crop production even in drought-prone areas.
• Industrial Utility – Many industries rely on a steady water supply from dams for manufacturing, processing, and cooling purposes.
• Hydroelectric Power Generation – Dams facilitate renewable energy production by controlling the power of flowing water, contributing to sustainable electricity generation.
• River Navigation – Dams regulate river flow, making inland water transport more feasible and economical, which is the cheapest mode of transportation.
• Livelihood and Recreation – Reservoirs created by dams support fishing, boating, and tourism, providing employment opportunities to local communities.
• Flood Control – By regulating river flow, dams help in preventing floods and mitigating damage to life and property.