Koyna Dam: History, Objective, Earthquake
Last Updated :
24 Jan, 2024
The Koyna Dam is one of the largest dams built in Maharashtra state of India. It is located in Koyna Nagar in the Satara district of Maharashtra. This dam is built on the Koyna River. It was built to generate hydroelectric power for the nearby areas. It is located on the state highway between Chiplun and Karad in the Western Ghats.
Koyna Dam
In this article, We have discussed Koyana Dam’s History, Objectives, Interesting Facts, and many more in detail.
Let’s dive right in.
What is Koyna Dam?
The Koyna Dam was constructed in 1963. This dam is made of rubble concrete. The total hydroelectric capacity of Koyna Dam is 1,920MW and 105 TMC making it India’s largest completed hydroelectric power plant. This dam on the Koyna River forms the Shivsagar reservoir. The catchment area of the dam forms a 50km long Shivsagar lake.
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Koyna Hydroelectric Project
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Kayna Nagar in Satara District, Maharashtra
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1963
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103.2 m (339 feet)
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8072.2m (2,648 feet)
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1,920MW
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Koyna
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6
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Objective of Construction of Koyna Dam
The main purpose of constructing the Koyna Dam was the generation of hydroelectricity along with some irrigation in nearby areas. It also plays an important role in flood control during the monsoon season. This hydroelectric project on the Koyna River is operated by the Maharashtra State Electricity Board. Its water is supplied to the Paschim Maharashtra along with the hydroelectric power in nearby areas. The steep gradient of the Koyna River is useful in the generation of the hydroelectricity at the dam. The following is the complete description of of construction of Koyna Dam:
| Location |
Satara district, Maharashtra, India |
| Purpose |
Hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and water supply |
| Hydroelectric Power |
Koyna Hydroelectric Power Plant is located here, one of India’s largest hydroelectric power stations |
| Reservoir |
Creates Shivsagar Lake, a large and scenic reservoir |
| Earthquake Controversy |
Associated with induced seismicity and earthquakes in the region |
| Tourism |
Popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and recreational activities |
| Historical Significance |
Played a crucial role in the region’s development |
| Engineering Feat |
Noted for its size and engineering challenges due to the Western Ghats terrain |
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Brief History of Koyna Dam
A hydroelectric facility was constructed by the Tata group on the Koyna River after World War First in 1914-18. After independence, The construction of Koyna Dam was initiated in the year of 1951. The first turbine of its dam started working in 1962. It was opened in 1964. It is 339 feet (103.2 m) high and 807.2 m long.
The dam faced a significant loss in 1967 due to an earthquake with a measure of 6.3 on the Richter scale. The construction of the dam also affected the ecology and the natural flow of the Koyna River. The exploitation and pollution of the Krishna river basin raised the concerns of ecologists and experts. To preserve the diverse ecology around the Koyna Dam, the Koyna Wildlife SanctuaryIt aims was notified in the year of 1985. Its aim is to conserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region. It is home to four-horned antelope.
Key Facts about Koyna River
- It is a tributary of the Krishna River that originates in Mahabaleshwar.
- It flows in a north-south direction in contrast to most rivers that flow in east-west direction.
- It meets the Krishna River at Karad in Satara.
- This meeting place, Karad, is also famous for sugar production.
- This confluence of the Koyna with Krishna River is named ‘Preeti Sangam’. It means confluence of love’.
- This river is known as the ‘lifeline of Maharashtra’ due to its role in electricity generation in the state.
- It flows over 2,036 square kilometers area in the Deccan terrain of Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
- The main tributaries of the Koyna river are Kera, Wang, Morna, and Mahind.
Conclusion on Koyana Dam
The Koyna Dam is unique a marvel piece of engineering in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Along with its role in hydroelectric power generation and water supply, this dam is a symbol of a harmonious balance between technology and the environment. It played an important role in the socio-economic development of the Maharashtra state. It is the source of water supply and electricity in the irrigation of agriculture.
Related Link
Most Important Dams of India
FAQs on Koyna Dam
Why is Koyna Dam famous?
The Koyna dam is famous for being one of the largest dams built in Maharashtra state of India. It was the one of the biggest hydroelectric project of Maharashtra. It gain popularity due to its marvel architecture after the independence of India.
What is the capacity of Koyna Dam in TMC?
The total hydroelectric capacity of Koyna Dam is 1,920MW and 105 TMC making it India’s largest completed hydroelectric power plant. It has six spillways gates.
What is the other name of the Koyna Dam project?
Koyna dam project is also known as the Koyna Hydroelectric project. It was built of Koyna river , also located in Koyna Nagar from where it got its name.
Which river is Koyna Dam on?
The Koyna Dam is built on Koyna river. The Koyna river is one of tributary of the Krishna River.It is a tributary of the Krishna River that originates in Mahabaleshwar. It flows in a north-south direction in contrast to most rivers that flow in east-west direction. It meets the Krishna River at Karad in Satara.
What is the name of Koyna Lake?
The name of Koyna lake is Shivasagar Lake which is 50km long.
In which state Koyana Dam is located?
The Koyna Dam is located in the state of Maharashtra, India.
On which river Koyana Dam is built?
The Koyna Dam is built on the Koyna River, which is a tributary of the Krishna River. It is located in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Does Earthquake affect Koyana Dam?
Yes, earthquakes can affect the Koyna Dam due to induced seismicity from the reservoir filling, as seen in the 1967 Koynanagar earthquake.
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