Which of the following is the highest gravity dam in India?
Bhakra Dam
Identifying the Highest Gravity Dam in India
The question asks us to identify the dam in India that is classified as a gravity dam and holds the record for the highest structure of this type in the country. Understanding different types of dams is crucial here.
A gravity dam is a massive structure, usually made of concrete or stone masonry, which relies on its own weight to resist the horizontal pressure of the water retained behind it. Its shape is typically triangular in cross-section, with the base being widest at the bottom where the water pressure is greatest.
Analysis of Options
Let's examine the options provided:
- Hirakud Dam: Located in Odisha, built across the Mahanadi River. It is one of the longest earth-cum-masonry dams in the world, but it is not primarily a gravity dam and is known for its length, not height.
- Bhakra Dam: Located in Himachal Pradesh on the Sutlej River. It is a concrete gravity dam and is renowned for its significant height.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam: Built across the Narmada River in Gujarat. It is also a concrete gravity dam, but its height is less than that of the Bhakra Dam.
- Mettur Dam: Located in Tamil Nadu, built across the Kaveri River. It is primarily a concrete gravity dam, but its height is considerably less than the Bhakra Dam.
Determining the Highest Gravity Dam
Comparing the heights of these dams, the Bhakra Dam stands out as the highest concrete gravity dam in India. Its height is approximately 226 meters.
Therefore, based on the type of dam (gravity) and its height, the Bhakra Dam fits the description of the highest gravity dam in India among the given options.
Revision Table: Notable Dams in India
| Dam Name | River | State | Type | Height (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhakra Dam | Sutlej | Himachal Pradesh | Concrete Gravity | 226 m |
| Hirakud Dam | Mahanadi | Odisha | Earth-cum-Masonry | 60.96 m |
| Sardar Sarovar Dam | Narmada | Gujarat | Concrete Gravity | 163 m |
| Mettur Dam | Kaveri | Tamil Nadu | Concrete Gravity | 65.21 m |
From the table, it is clear that the Bhakra Dam is the highest among the listed gravity dams.
Additional Information on Dam Types
Dams can be classified based on their structure and the materials used. Some common types include:
- Gravity Dam: Relies on its weight for stability.
- Arch Dam: Curved structure that transfers the water pressure to the abutments (sides of the valley).
- Buttress Dam: A wall supported by downstream buttresses.
- Embankment Dam: Made of compacted earth or rock fill. This includes Earth-fill dams and Rock-fill dams.
While Bhakra Dam is the highest gravity dam, the highest dam overall in India (as of recent data) is the Tehri Dam, which is a multi-purpose rock and earth-fill embankment dam, located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand.
However, the question specifically asks for the highest gravity dam, which is the Bhakra Dam.
Similar Questions
Which of the following river rises in the Indian Himalayan?
Aner, Panzara and Waghur are the tributaries of which river?
Sambhar Lake is situated in which of the following states?
- The ‘Sorrow of Bengal’ is _______.
Which of the following is a major river in Bangladesh which is also the main distributary of the Ganges?
In which of the following States/UT is Anchar Lake located?
Berach River, a southern-side tributary of Banas River, originates from the hills in which of the following districts of Rajasthan?
The Paithan Hydro - Electric Project is on river _______.
Which of the following Indian cities is situated at the banks of Lake Pichola?
On which lake is the world's only floating post office situated?
Important Questions from Indian Rivers and Water Resources
The major portion of river Mahanadi lies in the state of_________.
Which one of the following lakes in India has a large quantity of a substance found in the Moon?
Which is the longest tributary river in India?
Which of the following rivers the "Chitrakote" water fall is located?
‘Ong’ and ‘Tel’ are tributaries of the river ______.
