Sardar Sarovar Dam, Gravity dam in Songadh, India
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a gravity dam on the Narmada River in Gujarat, measuring roughly 1200 meters (3900 feet) in length and standing around 163 meters (535 feet) tall with a reinforced concrete structure. The facility includes several power units at the main dam and along the connected canal system that carries water over long distances.
Construction started in 1987 as part of a broader development scheme for the Narmada Valley, launched after decades of political negotiations between different states. Completion came in the early 21st century following several delays and revisions to the original plans.
The dam remains a subject of varied perspectives among communities along the river, where some see new opportunities in water access while others remember their relocated villages. Visitors today notice how irrigation canals now shape farming practices and daily routines across the surrounding countryside.
The site sits in a rural area with limited tourist facilities, so visitors should bring their own refreshments and basic supplies. Viewing points along the dam wall offer wide views of the reservoir and surrounding valleys when weather is clear.
Solar panels installed along the main canal float above the water surface, reducing evaporation while generating electricity at the same time. This system combines irrigation infrastructure with renewable energy in a way rarely seen elsewhere.
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