Dams of Karnataka

Karnataka, located in southern India, is endowed with diverse river systems and extensive water resources that support agriculture, industry, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. The construction of dams across the state has played a crucial role in regulating water availability, mitigating droughts, enabling irrigation, and enhancing regional development. Karnataka’s dams vary widely in scale, design, and purpose, reflecting the state’s geographical diversity and varied hydrological needs. Many of these structures are essential components of river valley projects, inter-state water management systems, and multi-purpose development schemes.
Dams in Karnataka are built across major rivers such as the Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Hemavathi, and Bhadra. They contribute significantly to agricultural productivity, especially in semi-arid regions, while also supporting flood control, fishery development, and ecological balance. For students, competitive exam aspirants, and general readers alike, understanding the major dams of Karnataka is important for grasping the state’s water management strategies and regional infrastructure.

Geographical and Hydrological Background

Karnataka’s topography, ranging from the Western Ghats to the Deccan Plateau, provides favourable conditions for river basin development. The state has five major river systems:

• Cauvery River System (Cauvery, Hemavathi, Kabini, Nugu)
• Krishna River System (Krishna, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha)
• Tungabhadra River System
• Sharavathi River System
• West-flowing rivers including Kali, Varahi, and Netravati

The construction of dams in Karnataka supports irrigation networks, hydroelectric power plants, and municipal water supply. Many river valleys also serve as biodiversity hotspots and scenic landscapes, strengthening eco-tourism in the region.

Major Dams of Karnataka

KRS (Krishna Raja Sagara) Dam

• Location: Mandya District
• River: Cauvery
• Importance: Commissioned in the early twentieth century under the guidance of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the KRS Dam is one of Karnataka’s most iconic irrigation and water supply projects. It supports agriculture in the Mandya region and supplies drinking water to Bengaluru and Mysuru.
• Features: The adjoining Brindavan Gardens attract significant tourism.

Tungabhadra Dam

• Location: Hosapete, Vijayanagara District
• River: Tungabhadra (formed by Tunga and Bhadra)
• Importance: A major reservoir facilitating irrigation in Raichur, Ballari, and Koppal, it also supports hydroelectric generation.
• Features: The Tungabhadra Dam is central to the Tungabhadra Project, serving as a lifeline for North Karnataka.

Almatti Dam

• Location: Vijayapura District
• River: Krishna
• Importance: Part of the Upper Krishna Project, the Almatti Dam is vital for irrigation, drinking water supply, and power generation.
• Unique Aspect: Its water storage has been subject to inter-state water sharing discussions with downstream regions.

Narayanpur Dam

• Location: Yadgir District
• River: Krishna
• Importance: Also part of the Upper Krishna Project, it supports extensive irrigation in dry parts of northern Karnataka.

Linganamakki Dam

• Location: Shivamogga District
• River: Sharavathi
• Importance: A major hydroelectric project that feeds the Sharavathi Power Station, one of the highest-capacity hydroelectric units in the state.
• Features: Surrounded by dense forest, it contributes to the ecological richness of the Western Ghats.

Supa Dam

• Location: Uttara Kannada District
• River: Kali
• Importance: Primarily used for hydroelectric generation and managed by the Karnataka Power Corporation.
• Features: Part of a larger series of hydropower installations along the Kali River.

Kabini Dam

• Location: Mysuru District
• River: Kabini
• Importance: Supports irrigation and water supply to Mysuru region and contributes indirectly to Bengaluru’s water security.
• Ecological Significance: The Kabini reservoir region is known for rich wildlife and forms part of the Nagarhole National Park landscape.

Hemavathi Dam (Gorur Dam)

• Location: Hassan District
• River: Hemavathi
• Importance: Provides irrigation to Hassan, Mandya, and surrounding districts.
• Features: Supports agriculture in largely rain-fed zones.

Harangi Dam

• Location: Kodagu District
• River: Harangi, a tributary of Cauvery
• Importance: Supplies water to Kodagu and parts of Mysuru, also contributing to irrigation schemes.

Bhadra Dam

• Location: Chikkamagaluru District
• River: Bhadra
• Importance: Supports the Bhadra Project, supplying water for irrigation and power.
• Features: The reservoir supports fisheries and eco-tourism activities.

Vanivilas Sagar (Marihalla) Dam

• Location: Chitradurga District
• River: Marihalla, a tributary of Tungabhadra
• Importance: One of Karnataka’s oldest dams, built during the princely state era, supplying irrigation to arid regions.

Ranganathittu Reservoir

• Location: Near Srirangapatna
• River: Cauvery
• Importance: Supports nearby agricultural zones and is linked to the famous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

Multi-Purpose Roles of Karnataka’s Dams

Karnataka’s dams serve a broad range of functions essential to social and economic development.

• Irrigation: Dams support canal systems that provide water to millions of hectares of farmland, significantly boosting agricultural output in dry regions.
• Hydroelectric Power: Projects at Sharavathi, Kali, Varahi, and other sites contribute to the state’s renewable energy capacity.
• Drinking Water Supply: Major cities including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and hubs in North Karnataka depend on dam-reservoir systems.
• Flood Control: Controlled water release reduces monsoon-related flooding.
• Tourism and Ecology: Scenic reservoirs contribute to tourism, while regulated ecosystems support biodiversity.

Significance of Dams in Karnataka’s Development

The construction and management of dams have played a strategic role in Karnataka’s progress:

• Enhanced agricultural productivity in drought-prone areas.
• Boosted rural livelihoods through irrigation and fisheries.
• Expanded industrial growth supported by steady water and power supply.
• Strengthened regional equity by providing water to historically dry districts.
• Supported conservation efforts through managed river basin systems.

These developments underline the centrality of reservoirs in the state’s long-term planning.

Challenges in Dam Management

Despite their importance, Karnataka’s dams face several challenges:

• Siltation: Reduces storage capacity over time.
• Inter-State Water Disputes: Notably over the Cauvery and Krishna river systems.
• Environmental Concerns: Impact on forests, wildlife, and river ecosystems.
• Aging Infrastructure: Many dams require modernisation and safety upgrades.
• Climate Variability: Changing rainfall patterns affect water availability.