Largest Dam in India – Height, Length, Storage & Power Explained
India is home to thousands of dams that support irrigation, drinking water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power. When people search for “largest dam in India”, the answer actually depends on what “largest” means — height, length, reservoir capacity, surface area, or electricity generation.
In this detailed guide, we explain every type of largest dam in India, with facts, comparisons, and tables for clarity.
Which Is the Largest Dam in India?
There is no single dam that is the largest in every category.
Different dams hold records for different parameters:
Highest dam → Tehri Dam
Longest dam → Hirakud Dam
Largest reservoir by volume → Indira Sagar Dam
Largest reservoir by area → Nagarjuna Sagar
Largest dam by power generation → Tehri Hydropower Project
Let’s explore each in detail
1. Tehri Dam – Highest Dam in India
Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India and one of the tallest in the world.
Key Facts:
River: Bhagirathi River (Ganga tributary)
State: Uttarakhand
Height: 260.5 meters
Type: Rock-fill dam
Purpose: Hydropower, irrigation, drinking water, flood control
Why It’s the Largest by Height
Tehri Dam towers higher than any other dam in India. Its height makes it a critical source of hydroelectric power for North India, including Delhi.
2. Hirakud Dam – Longest Dam in India
Hirakud Dam holds the title of the longest dam in India.
Key Facts:
River: Mahanadi
State: Odisha
Total Length: 25.8 km (including dykes)
Completed: 1957
Why It’s the Largest by Length
Stretching over 25 kilometers, Hirakud Dam controls floods in Odisha and supports massive irrigation projects. It is also one of the longest earthen dams in the world.
3. Indira Sagar Dam – Largest Dam by Reservoir Volume
When it comes to water storage capacity, Indira Sagar Dam is the largest in India.
Key Facts:
River: Narmada
State: Madhya Pradesh
Reservoir Capacity: 12.22 billion cubic meters
Type: Concrete gravity dam
Why It’s the Largest by Volume
Indira Sagar Dam stores more water than any other dam in India, making it extremely important for irrigation and power generation.
4. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Largest Dam by Reservoir Area
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam has the largest surface area reservoir in India.
Key Facts:
River: Krishna
States: Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Reservoir Area: 285 sq km
Completed: 1967
Why It’s the Largest by Area
The massive spread of water supports agriculture across multiple districts and provides drinking water to millions.
5. Tehri Dam – Largest Dam by Power Generation
Tehri Dam also ranks as the largest dam in India by installed hydropower capacity.
Power Details:
Installed Capacity: 2,400 MW
Type: Hydro + Pumped storage
This makes Tehri Dam a backbone of India’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Comparison Table: Largest Dams in India by Category
| Category | Dam Name | River | State | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Dam | Tehri Dam | Bhagirathi | Uttarakhand | 260.5 m |
| Longest Dam | Hirakud Dam | Mahanadi | Odisha | 25.8 km |
| Largest Reservoir (Volume) | Indira Sagar | Narmada | MP | 12.22 BCM |
| Largest Reservoir (Area) | Nagarjuna Sagar | Krishna | TS & AP | 285 sq km |
| Largest Power Generation | Tehri Dam | Bhagirathi | Uttarakhand | 2,400 MW |
Importance of Large Dams in India
Large dams play a crucial role in India’s development:
Irrigation for agriculture
Drinking water supply
Hydroelectric power generation
Flood control
Industrial water usage
Despite environmental concerns, dams remain essential for managing India’s water resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the largest dam in India?
There is no single largest dam. Tehri Dam is the largest by height, Hirakud by length, and Indira Sagar by storage capacity.
Is Tehri Dam the biggest dam in India?
Yes, Tehri Dam is the biggest dam in India by height and power generation.
Which dam has the largest reservoir in India?
Indira Sagar Dam has the largest reservoir by volume, while Nagarjuna Sagar has the largest by area.
Conclusion
The term “largest dam in India” depends on how size is measured. India’s dam infrastructure showcases engineering excellence across height, length, storage, and power generation. Understanding these distinctions helps students, travelers, and competitive exam aspirants get accurate information.
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