Introduction
Karnataka is a haven for dams, some of which are the biggest in India. These dams are key for irrigation, electricity, and flood control. Constructing these mega dams has been instrumental in India’s economic success.
The largest dams in Karnataka include Almatti Dam (Krishna River), Tunga Bhadra Dam (Shimoga district), and Linganamakki Dam (Kodagu district). These have created huge reservoirs, helping irrigate millions of acres of land across Karnataka.
The Almatti Dam is the biggest one, holding 130 thousand million cubic feet of water. It supplies water to 6 million hectares for irrigation and generates a lot of electricity through its Hydroelectric plant.
An iconic dam in Kannada literature is the KRS Dam on the Kaveri River near Mysore. It was designed by Sir M Vishweshwarayya, a prominent civil engineer, primarily for irrigation. This monumental structure is renowned for its beautiful Brindavan Gardens, which still draw in tourists today. So why settle for a glass of water when you can have a whole damn dam in Karnataka?
Largest Dams in Karnataka
Karnataka, a south Indian state, is home to some of the largest dams in India. These dams are crucial for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power production. In this article, we will explore the top dams in Karnataka.
The table below displays the top 5 largest dams in Karnataka based on their storage capacity.
| Dam Name | River | Location | Storage Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almatti | Krishna | Bijapur | 130 tmcft |
| Tungabhadra | Tungabhadra | Hospet | 100.86 tmcft |
| Linganamakki | Sharavathi | Sagara | 151.40 tmcft |
| Varahi | Varahi | Kundapur | 75.20 tmcft |
| Supa | Kali | Joida, Uttar Kannada | 144.90 tmcft |
Apart from their storage capacity, the dams in Karnataka also serve as popular tourist attractions due to their architecture and scenic beauty. The Almatti dam, for instance, is not only a reservoir but also a popular boating destination. Similarly, the Varahi dam is located amidst the Western Ghats and is a paradise for nature lovers.
With their colossal size and significant role in the state’s development, now is the time to visit these massive structures. Experience the awe-inspiring views of these dams and learn more about their contribution to Karnataka’s growth. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the magnificence of these dams.
I hope you brought your waterproof shoes, because Tungabhadra Dam is making a splash as one of Karnataka’s largest.
Tungabhadra Dam
Built on the Semantic NLP variation of the heading, “One of the Largest Dams in Karnataka”, Tungabhadra Dam is an impressive structure. It is located across the Tungabhadra River in Northern Karnataka. The dam has multiple uses, such as irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Below is a table with important information about Tungabhadra Dam:
| Aspects | Figures |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Composite dam |
| Reservoir Capacity | 3.16 million acre-feet |
| Length of the Dam | 2.4 km |
| Height | 49 meters above the deepest foundation level |
It’s interesting to note that the reservoir created by Tungabhadra dam is shared between two states – Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
If you’re planning to visit Tungabhadra Dam for an adventure or sightseeing, remember to bring sun hats, sunscreen lotion, and drinking water. Be careful when swimming as there are strong currents and whirlpools. Also, make sure to keep the area clean and avoid littering.
By following responsible practices, you can help preserve this great structure and have a memorable experience.
Almatti Dam
Located in Karnataka, the Almatti Dam is a major hydroelectric project across the river Krishna. It irrigates around 1 lakh hectares of land and supplies drinking water to nearby towns and villages. It stands 123.8 meters tall and has a length of 2901 meters. It is a gravity dam with an installed capacity of 290 MW and has a storage capacity of 130 TMC feet.
The dam also has ten radial gates used for flood control during monsoons. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit and appreciate its architecture and contribution to Karnataka’s economy. Plan a trip now to experience everything it has to offer!
Linganamakki Dam
Situated in Shimoga district of Karnataka, the Linganamakki Reservoir has a voluminous capacity to hold up to 1519m cubic litres of water, stretching over 154.00km².
It boasts a height of 1819 ft (554m) and is a Gravity Dam/Masonry Dam & Earthern masonry dam.
Initially, locals were concerned about the environmental impact this would have on nearby forests. Nevertheless, it became operational in 1964, creating employment opportunities.
This dam faced severe droughts that left it almost empty for years. However, recent monsoon spells have filled it back to capacity, making it a significant source of hydroelectric power and irrigation in the region.
Supa Dam
The Supa Dam, situated in the north-western district of Karnataka, is renowned for its grandeur and importance. It produces up to 103 MW of electricity as a hydroelectric energy source. The dam, built on the Kali River, is popularly known as the ‘Supa Dam’ in Karnataka.
We’ve laid out some essential data about the Supa Dam in the table below:
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Height | 101 m (331 ft) |
| Length | 332 m (1,089 ft) |
| Maximum Capacity | Hydroelectric: 103 MW |
| Reservoir | Kali River |
The Supa Dam not only provides impressive features, but it also aids those in the area who mainly farm and fish. It has been beneficial in providing drinking water and preventing floods during heavy rainfall seasons.
As one of the largest dams in Karnataka, exploring the Supa Dam should be a must when visiting the area. Witness its majesty and take in the natural beauty that surrounds it. Don’t miss out on this amazing experience!
Bhadra Dam
Harangi Dam nestles between the charming hills of the Western Ghats. It was once a river valley enclosed by towering mountains. This stunning water catchment area is known for its water conservation and is known as the ‘reservoir of life’. The dam’s construction began in 1947 and finished in 1965.
Karnataka relies on this multi-purpose dam for irrigation, drinking water and electricity. The creators were visionary engineers who understood the importance of preserving nature while meeting infrastructure needs. They planted various flora species to create a thriving ecosystem.
Apart from fishing, boating, and safari opportunities, it’s one of the best birdwatching spots in India. During WWII, when Japan invaded Burma, the British Empire turned to Karnataka to ensure food security. They created crop patches near Bhadra Dam as part of the ‘Grow More Food Campaign’. The dam lives up to its symbolic nickname – reservoir of life – ensuring food security and nature conservation.
Harangi Dam is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. Just be prepared for the deafening roar of water and occasional tourists slipping on wet rocks!
Harangi Dam
The Harangi Reservoir is located in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. It’s a large dam with a length of 846 meters and a height of 47 meters. It was built across the tributary of the Kaveri River, the Harangi River.
Its primary purpose is to control floods in the Kaveri basin, provide water for drinking and irrigation, and generate hydroelectricity. It has a capacity of 8.94 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, which makes it an essential source of life for agriculture and daily consumption.
Apart from its primary functions, visitors come to the Harangi Reservoir for activities such as boating and bird-watching in nearby wildlife sanctuaries, like the Dubare Reserve Forest.
It’s also known for being able to support five irrigation projects – Hullahalli Project, Koodige project, Nadugani-Kushalnagar Project, KRS-II Stage- I&II combined Kaithoonir Project.
Fun fact – According to Karnataka’s official website, there are around 122 small and large dams in Karnataka. The Narayanapur Dam is the biggest one, with a capacity of 233 million cubic meters of water!
Narayanapur Dam
The mighty Narayanapur Dam stands at an impressive 40 meters tall, and spans an incredible 370 meters. It is one of the largest dams in the Karnataka state and can store millions of cubic meters of water.
It was built to irrigate the dry lands of Narayanapur and regulate water flow, preventing floods that would damage nearby farms. This has had a huge impact on the region, transforming it into a prosperous agricultural hub.
The government initiated the construction of the dam to help farmers cope with severe droughts and farm failures. Despite limited resources, they completed the project on time. Now, it continues to serve its purpose for many decades.
The Narayanapur Dam is a breathtaking sight to behold, especially during monsoons. Many people visit this place to admire its scenic beauty, and appreciate the efforts of the builders. It is now a symbol of hope to fishermen, carrying their dreams and aspirations.
Gutti Holey Dam
Gutti Holey Dam stands tall in the state of Karnataka. It has a whopping capacity of 950 million cubic feet and a height of 54 meters! It was constructed in 2001-2002 and is a masonry gravity dam.
Plus, it’s also an important source of irrigation and power for the locals.
Don’t miss your chance to explore this engineering feat when you visit Karnataka. Admire its beauty and practicality! It’s a sight to behold!
Mani Dam
The Varahi Dam, in Karnataka’s south, is home to a huge reservoir. It provides water for the area and farming, and even hydroelectricity. It’s been around for decades, meeting the needs of people and farmers.
This dam is an engineering marvel, seen from afar. It stands on concrete pillars in a scenic setting. It’s vital to the region – providing clean water and boosting the economy.
The area around the dam is green and lush, perfect for bird-watching or hikes. It’s not just a feat of engineering, but a place for all to enjoy.
For future generations to enjoy Varahi Dam, sustainable practices must be used. Water harvesting and conservation tech can help ensure everyone has enough. Drip irrigation is another way to keep resources shared and used efficiently.
Varahi Dam
Varahi Dam is a big earthfill and gravity dam located on the Varahi River in Karnataka. It produces hydroelectric power for the area.
We put together a table with important Varahi Dam data. For example, its height, length, capacity and power production.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Varahi Dam |
| River | Varahi |
| Type | Earthfill Gravity |
| Height | 167 m |
| Length | 1011 m |
| Capacity | 585 million m³ |
| Power production | 230 MW |
Apart from being one of Karnataka’s grandest dams, there are some other cool things. Its spillway has a special design that facilitates smooth water outflow. It also has specific sedimentation levels to keep in check.
To maintain Varahi’s performance and life, these tips may help:
- Regular inspections and maintenance should be done.
- Establish communication channels between dam operators.
- Make emergency plans for weather events.
Karnataka has more than great coffee – they have stunning dams too!
Conclusion
Exploring Karnataka’s biggest dams reveals their vital role in water management and power generation. Maintaining and upgrading them is crucial for their efficacy.
The Almatti Dam stands out as one of the largest, storing 130 TMC of water and supplying over six lakh hectares with irrigation. Other noteworthy dams include Linganamakki, Supa, and Harangi, each with their own benefits.
It’s important to maintain the dams and have disaster management plans in place. Inspections must be done regularly to spot any damage that could cause disasters.
To guarantee sustainable growth, other energy sources should be used, such as small-scale hydroelectric projects and renewable energy like solar and wind.