Highest Dam in India – Complete Guide & Key Insights
India is home to some of the largest and most impressive dams in the world. These massive structures play a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, flood control, and water supply. Among them, one structure stands taller than all the rest. Many people frequently search which is the highest dam in India or what is the highest dam in India, especially for exams, GK, and geography-related topics.
In this detailed guide, we clearly explain the highest dam in India, along with its height, location, purpose, importance, and comparison with other major dams. This article is written to fully match Google search intent and help it rank on Page 1.
Which Is the Highest Dam in India?
The highest dam of India is the Tehri Dam.
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Height: 260.5 meters (855 feet)
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Location: Uttarakhand
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River: Bhagirathi River
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Type: Earth and rock-fill dam
So, if someone asks name the highest dam in India, the correct and official answer is Tehri Dam.
Tehri Dam – The Highest Dam in India
The Tehri Dam is not only the highest dam in India but also one of the tallest dams in the world. It is located near New Tehri town in Uttarakhand and is built on the Bhagirathi River, a major tributary of the Ganga.
Key Facts About Tehri Dam
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Height: 260.5 meters
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Length: 575 meters
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Reservoir: Tehri Lake
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Power generation capacity: 1,000 MW
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Completed: 2006
Because of its massive height, Tehri Dam holds the title of the highest dam.
Why Tehri Dam Is the Highest Dam in India
The height of a dam is measured from its foundation to the top. Tehri Dam surpasses all other Indian dams in this measurement.
Comparison with other famous dams:
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Tehri Dam Height: 260.5 m
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Bhakra Nangal Dam: 226 m
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Sardar Sarovar Dam: 163 m
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Hirakud Dam: 60.96 m
This clearly confirms that the highest dam in India is Tehri Dam.
Importance of the Highest Dam India
The Tehri Dam plays a vital role in northern India due to its height and capacity.
1. Hydroelectric Power Generation
The dam generates electricity for Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
2. Water Supply
It supplies drinking water to millions of people, including Delhi.
3. Irrigation
The dam supports agricultural activities in several states.
4. Flood Control
Tehri Dam helps regulate the flow of the Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers, reducing flood risks.
Location and Geography of Tehri Dam
Tehri Dam is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, a seismically active region.
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State: Uttarakhand
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District: Tehri Garhwal
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River: Bhagirathi
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Nearest town: New Tehri
Due to its mountainous location, constructing the highest dam in India was a major engineering challenge.
Tehri Dam and Tehri Lake
The dam created Tehri Lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia.
Uses of Tehri Lake:
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Hydropower generation
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Tourism and water sports
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Drinking water storage
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Fisheries
Today, Tehri Lake has become a popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand.
Top 5 Highest Dams in India (By Height)
Here is a clear comparison table of the highest dams in India:
| Rank | Dam Name | Height (meters) | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tehri Dam | 260.5 | Uttarakhand |
| 2 | Bhakra Nangal Dam | 226 | Himachal Pradesh |
| 3 | Sardar Sarovar Dam | 163 | Gujarat |
| 4 | Rihand Dam | 91 | Uttar Pradesh |
| 5 | Hirakud Dam | 60.96 | Odisha |
This table further confirms that Tehri Dam is the highest dam in India.
Difference Between Highest and Longest Dam in India
Many people confuse these two terms.
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Highest dam in India: Tehri Dam
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Longest dam in India: Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam is the longest but not the tallest. Height and length are measured differently.
Environmental and Social Impact
The construction of the highest dam in India also had challenges:
Environmental Impact
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Submergence of forests
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Changes in river ecology
Social Impact
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Relocation of old Tehri town
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Rehabilitation of displaced people
Despite challenges, Tehri Dam remains one of India’s most important infrastructure projects.
Tehri Dam for Exams and GK
For competitive exams, remember:
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Tallest dam in India: Tehri Dam
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River: Bhagirathi
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State: Uttarakhand
This question is frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and school exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest dam in India?
The highest dam of India is Tehri Dam.
Name the highest dam in India.
The highest dam in India is Tehri Dam.
Which river is Tehri Dam built on?
Tehri Dam is built on the Bhagirathi River.
Is Tehri Dam the tallest dam in the world?
No, but it is among the tallest dams globally.
Final Conclusion
India’s dam infrastructure is a symbol of engineering excellence, and Tehri Dam proudly stands as the highest dam in India. With a height of 260.5 meters, it plays a vital role in power generation, water supply, irrigation, and flood control. Whether for academic purposes or general knowledge, understanding which is the highest dam in India is essential for anyone studying Indian geography.