Saturday, September 21, 2019
Sardar Sarovar Dam
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a large gravity dam on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat, India. It is one of the largest dams in India and a significant water resources and hydroelectric power project.
Here are key details about the Sardar Sarovar Dam:
1. Location:
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is located near Kevadia in the Narmada district of Gujarat, India. The dam is part of the Narmada Valley Project.
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| Sardar Sarovar Dam |
2. Purpose:
Water Supply: The dam provides water for irrigation and drinking water supply to various regions of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
Hydroelectric Power: The dam has a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity for the surrounding regions.
3. Construction:
The construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam began in 1987. It faced several controversies and protests due to environmental and social concerns, particularly related to displacement and rehabilitation of people residing in the dam's reservoir area.
The dam was inaugurated on September 17, 2017, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
4. Key Features:
Height: The dam has a height of 163 meters (535 feet), making it one of the tallest dams in the world.
Reservoir: The dam's reservoir, known as the Sardar Sarovar Reservoir, has a capacity of storing a vast amount of water, which is utilized for various purposes, including irrigation and drinking water supply.
Hydropower: The dam has a hydropower plant with a capacity of generating electricity. The power generated is supplied to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
5. Benefits and Controversies:
Benefits: The dam has significantly contributed to agricultural development in the region by providing irrigation water, improving crop yield, and promoting agricultural activities.
Controversies: The dam project faced criticism and legal challenges due to environmental concerns, displacement of local communities, and potential impacts on downstream regions.
6. Tourism:
The Sardar Sarovar Dam has become a popular tourist attraction in Gujarat. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the dam, the Narmada River, and the surrounding landscape. The site also includes the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, which is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, an Indian statesman and a key figure in the country's independence movement.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam remains a significant infrastructure project in India, serving multiple purposes related to water management, agriculture, and energy generation.