Karnataka is home to several large dams that play a crucial role in irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. Here are the top 10 biggest dams in Karnataka based on their size, capacity, and significance:
1. Tungabhadra Dam
River: Tungabhadra River
Location: Hospet, Ballari District
Capacity: 3,276 million cubic meters
Significance: One of the largest multipurpose dams in Karnataka, serving irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.
2. Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam
River: Kaveri River
Location: Mandya District
Capacity: 1,368 million cubic meters
Significance: A major source of irrigation and drinking water for the Mysore and Mandya districts, also known for the Brindavan Gardens.
3. Almatti Dam
River: Krishna River
Location: Bagalkot District
Capacity: 5,456 million cubic meters
Significance: Part of the Upper Krishna Project, it supports irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
4. Bhadra Dam
River: Bhadra River
Location: Chikkamagaluru District
Capacity: 2,036 million cubic meters
Significance: Provides irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power, also supports fisheries and tourism.
5. Linganamakki Dam
River: Sharavathi River
Location: Sagara, Shivamogga District
Capacity: 4,294 million cubic meters
Significance: Supports the Sharavathi Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest powerproducing dams in Karnataka.
6. Hemavathi Dam
River: Hemavathi River
Location: Hassan District
Capacity: 1,050 million cubic meters
Significance: Provides irrigation and water supply, supports agriculture in the region.
7. Harangi Dam
River: Harangi River
Location: Kodagu District
Capacity: 840 million cubic meters
Significance: Supports irrigation and water supply, crucial for agriculture in Kodagu and Mysore districts.
8. Kabini Dam
River: Kabini River
Location: Mysore District
Capacity: 495 million cubic meters
Significance: Provides irrigation and water supply, crucial for agriculture in Mysore and surrounding regions.
9. Supa Dam
River: Kali River
Location: Uttara Kannada District
Capacity: 4,185 million cubic meters
Significance: Supports hydroelectric power generation and water supply, part of the Karnataka Power Corporation projects.
10. Raja Lakhamagowda Dam (Hidkal Dam)
River: Ghataprabha River
Location: Belgaum District
Capacity: 928 million cubic meters
Significance: Provides irrigation and water supply, supports agriculture in the Belgaum and Bagalkot districts.
These dams are vital for Karnataka's water resources management, supporting irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to the state's economy and development.