Dams in India are estimated to be around 5,334, out of which, approximately 447 large dams are still under construction. Dams are important because they are created across a river or stream to hold water back. They are barriers that can be utilized to hold water, manage floods, and produce electricity. Reservoirs formed by dams stop floods and provide water for industrial use, raising aqua plants and animals, irrigation, human use, and navigability.
A dam is a physical obstacle that hinders or limits the flow of subsurface or surface water. Dams are useful for storing and distributing water to various locations. They act as a source of hydroelectricity, i.e., produce electricity after utilizing water. This article will provide information about major dams which are important for UPSC Prelims 2024
| Dam | Why in News? |
| Phou Ngoy Dam | A Thai-backed hydropower dam is under construction on the Mekong River near Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos. It aims to export electricity to neighboring Thailand. But it is also raising alarm over the future of this scenic UNESCO heritage site. |
| Jayakwadi Dam | The Bombay High Court has heard a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the difficulties faced by students who cross the backwaters of the Jayakwadi Dam to attend school. |
| Chungthang , Dikchu Dam | Ongoing scientific investigations into the Chungthang dam bursting are focused on uncovering the precise cause behind the sudden eruption of South Lhonak Lake, located in northern Sikkim. The catastrophic incident resulted in the collapse of the Chungthang dam on October 4, 2023 |
| Nova Kakhovka Dam | In a Russian-controlled region of southern Ukraine, a dam and hydroelectric power plant have been demolished, releasing a significant volume of water and sparking concerns about extensive flooding in the downstream area along the Dnipro River |
| Derna Dam | Thousands of lives have been lost, and tens of thousands find themselves displaced and homeless due to catastrophic floods caused by a storm that breached the dams near the eastern Libyan city of Derna. |
| Mullaperiyar Dam | A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court, urgently requesting a safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar dam. This initiative follows an opinion piece published in the New York Times, asserting that the 127-year-old dam in Kerala is among several major dams that are “approaching obsolescence.” |
| Pong Dam | Release of water submerged a number of villages in the adjoining region |
In conclusion, the role of dams in India’s socio-economic landscape cannot be overstated, especially concerning the UPSC Prelims 2024. These engineering marvels not only ensure water resource management but also facilitate irrigation, hydropower generation, and flood control. The seven dams covered in this article—Bhakra Nangal, Tehri, Sardar Sarovar, Hirakud, Nagarjuna Sagar, Mettur, and Tungabhadra—are pivotal in shaping India’s progress and development. Understanding their significance, geographical locations, river basins, and associated benefits not only enriches aspirants’ knowledge but also provides a nuanced perspective crucial for tackling questions related to India’s water infrastructure and management in the UPSC examination. As aspirants delve into the intricacies of these dams, they gain a deeper insight into the country’s hydrological diversity, infrastructure challenges, and the pivotal role of water resources in India’s growth trajectory.
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