A large dam stores river water for irrigation, drinking supply, flood control and hydroelectric power. India had about 5,334 large dams in 2019, behind only China and the United States.
Key facts
- About 5,334 large dams as of 2019 with about 447 under construction; India ranks third after China and the US. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Bhakra dam on the Sutlej (Himachal Pradesh, 1963) and Pong dam on the Beas; Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam on the Krishna.
- Sardar Sarovar (Gujarat) and Indira Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) are both on the Narmada; Idukki is on the Periyar in Kerala.
- The Narmada's Sardar Sarovar is the largest structure of the Narmada Valley Project, opposed by the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
Why exams ask about it
Which river a dam sits on, the tallest and the longest dams, and which state they lie in are the standard questions.