Introduction
Maharashtra, the third-largest state in India, relies heavily on dams and irrigation projects for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. With multiple river basins, the state has constructed several large and small dams to manage its water resources efficiently.
For Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams, questions related to dams, rivers, and irrigation projects are frequently asked in Geography, General Studies, and Environment sections.
This blog covers:
✅ Major dams in Maharashtra with their locations
✅ Important irrigation projects
✅ Their significance for the economy and agriculture
✅ Key facts for MPSC preparation
List of Major Dams in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has over 3,000 dams, making it one of the states with the highest number of dams in India. Below is a list of some of the most important dams that you should know for MPSC exams.
1. Koyna Dam
- River: Koyna River (Krishna Basin)
- Location: Satara District
- Type: Concrete dam
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity and irrigation
- Significance: Largest hydroelectric project in Maharashtra
2. Jayakwadi Dam
- River: Godavari River
- Location: Aurangabad District
- Type: Earthen dam
- Purpose: Irrigation, drinking water supply
- Significance: Largest dam in Maharashtra in terms of water storage
3. Ujjani Dam
- River: Bhima River (Krishna Basin)
- Location: Solapur District
- Type: Gravity dam
- Purpose: Irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectricity
- Significance: Supplies water to Pune and Solapur
4. Mulshi Dam
- River: Mula River
- Location: Pune District
- Type: Gravity dam
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity
- Significance: Part of the Tata Power Project
5. Panshet Dam
- River: Ambi River
- Location: Pune District
- Type: Earthen dam
- Purpose: Drinking water supply for Pune
- Significance: Supplies water to Khadakwasla Dam
6. Bhatsa Dam
- River: Bhatsa River
- Location: Thane District
- Type: Gravity dam
- Purpose: Drinking water for Mumbai, irrigation, hydroelectricity
7. Totladoh Dam
- River: Pench River
- Location: Nagpur District
- Type: Gravity dam
- Purpose: Hydroelectricity, irrigation
- Significance: Part of Pench Hydroelectric Project
8. Upper Vaitarna Dam
- River: Vaitarna River
- Location: Nashik District
- Type: Composite dam (Earthfill + Concrete)
- Purpose: Drinking water supply for Mumbai
9. Khadakwasla Dam
- River: Mutha River
- Location: Pune District
- Type: Gravity dam
- Purpose: Drinking water for Pune
10. Manikdoh Dam
- River: Kukadi River
- Location: Pune District
- Type: Gravity dam
- Purpose: Irrigation and hydroelectric power
Major Irrigation Projects in Maharashtra
1. Koyna Hydroelectric Project
- River: Koyna River
- Type: Hydroelectric project
- Capacity: 1,920 MW (largest in Maharashtra)
- Location: Satara District
2. Krishna Valley Irrigation Project
- Rivers: Krishna, Koyna, Warna
- Purpose: Irrigation for sugarcane cultivation in Western Maharashtra
3. Upper Godavari Project
- River: Godavari River
- Purpose: Irrigation and drinking water supply
- Dams Covered: Gangapur, Darna, Kadwa
4. Pench Irrigation Project
- River: Pench River
- Purpose: Irrigation for Nagpur and surrounding regions
5. Kukadi Irrigation Project
- Rivers: Kukadi, Ghod, Mina, Pushpavati, and Pravara
- Purpose: Irrigation in Pune and Ahmednagar districts
6. Wainganga Irrigation Project
- River: Wainganga River
- Purpose: Irrigation in Vidarbha region
7. Bhima Irrigation Project
- River: Bhima River
- Purpose: Irrigation for Pune, Solapur, and Ahmednagar districts
Key Facts for MPSC Exam Preparation
- Largest Dam by Storage: Jayakwadi Dam
- Largest Hydroelectric Project: Koyna Hydroelectric Project
- First Multipurpose Project in Maharashtra: Koyna Project
- Most Important Dams for Mumbai: Bhatsa Dam, Upper Vaitarna Dam
- Dams on Krishna River Basin: Koyna, Dhom, Ujjani, Warna
MPSC Previous Year Questions Examples:
- Which is the largest dam in Maharashtra by storage capacity? (Answer: Jayakwadi Dam)
- On which river is Koyna Dam built? (Answer: Koyna River, a tributary of Krishna River)
- Which dam supplies drinking water to Mumbai? (Answer: Bhatsa Dam, Upper Vaitarna Dam)
Final Thoughts
Dams and irrigation projects in Maharashtra are crucial for agriculture, drinking water supply, and hydroelectricity. Since MPSC exams frequently ask questions on this topic, revising locations, rivers, and purposes of major dams is essential.
To master this topic:
✅ Make a map-based study – Identify rivers and dam locations.
✅ Memorize key statistics – Capacity, purpose, and significance.
✅ Practice with mock tests – Solve previous MPSC questions.
Got any doubts? Drop your questions in the comments! Happy studying! 📚😊