The Sardar Sarovar Dam, a key component of the Narmada Valley Project, is one of India’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects. Here are additional details about this significant dam.
It stands 163 meters (535 feet) tall and is 1,210 meters (3,970 feet) long, making it one of the largest dams in terms of size and capacity.
Situated on the Narmada River near Navagam in the Surat district of Gujarat, the dam is strategically positioned to harness the river’s water resources effectively.
It is a central feature of the Narmada Valley Project, which includes a series of dams and hydroelectric stations.
The dam provides irrigation water to a large area, covering about 1.8 million hectares (4.5 million acres) in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
It significantly supports agriculture by enabling the cultivation of multiple crops in regions that were previously drought-prone.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam supplies drinking water to about 30 million people in Gujarat and parts of Rajasthan.
It has been instrumental in addressing the water scarcity issues in the arid and semi-arid regions of these states.
The dam’s hydroelectric power stations have a total installed capacity of 1,450 MW, generating clean and renewable energy.
The power generated is distributed among Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, contributing to the region’s energy security.
The dam also plays a critical role in flood control by regulating the flow of the Narmada River, protecting downstream areas from flooding.
Additionally, the dam has potential for inland water navigation, enhancing transportation and trade.
The project has been subject to environmental and social scrutiny due to its impact on local ecosystems and displacement of communities.
Measures have been taken to rehabilitate and resettle affected families, though challenges remain in ensuring fair compensation and support.
The dam has boosted economic growth in the region by supporting agriculture, industrial development, and providing a reliable water supply.
It has also created job opportunities and contributed to the overall socio-economic development of the states it serves.
The foundation stone of the dam was laid by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1961, and the project has seen multiple phases of development over the decades.
It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2017, marking the culmination of decades of planning and construction.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a monumental project with widespread benefits, including water conservation, energy generation, and regional development. Despite the controversies, it remains a critical asset for India’s infrastructure and resource management.
