GREAT CHALLENGE: DELIVERING WATER STORAGE SAFELY

A barrier to stop the flow of water and results in the creation of a reservoir. India is facing severe water stress and climate change impacts, This year only 51% of the total capacity is filled while in comparison 88% was filled last year. Teesta Urja, the second biggest run-of-the-river hydro power project in India, suffered massive damage due to flood caused by the breach in the Lhonak lake in north-west Sikkim on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF DAMS

1. Irrigation- Large dams have played a crucial role in improving irrigation facilities, increasing the area under cultivation, and boosting of agricultural productivity.

2. Flood control and water supply- During heavy rainfall, dams can prevent floods by controlling the release of water. Contrarily, they maintain a reliable water supply during dry conditions. 

3. Renewable energy source: Many dams have turbines installed to generate electricity from the regulated water flow.

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LARGEST, HIGHEST AND OLDEST DAM 

-Largest dam- The largest dams in India include- Sardar Sarovar Dam, Hirakud Dam, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Bhakra Nagal Dam.

-Highest dam- The highest dam in situated in Uttarakhand, the Tehri Dam holds the distinction of being the tallest dam in India, towering at a height of 260.5 meters.

-Oldest dam- Kallanai, on the Kaveri river in Tamil Nadu, build by the Chola dynasty.

Read more: Largest, highest, oldest dams in India