There are a number of dams of Uttar Pradesh constructed to meet specific needs of the district or village they are located in. While power generation is the main objective of most of these dams, they also serve the water storage, drinking water and irrigation requirements of the state.

The construction of dams in Uttar Pradesh began way back in the 18th century. The earlier dams were bunds made of mud and limestone and primarily served the irrigation needs of the various districts of the state.

With advanced technologies readily accessible to the engineers of the state, the later day dams in Uttar Pradesh are made using concrete and incorporate modern designs. These dams attract a large number of visitors because of the amazing natural beauty that the surroundings of the dam project.

The backwaters of the dams in Uttar Pradesh are popular among tourists. The dams served not only the irrigation but the electricity needs of the state. A few dams are used for storage and supply of drinking water while some others have a wonderful presence of exotic marine life.

Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar

This dam is one of the biggest electricity generating projects in India. It is built over the Rihand River and one of the biggest infrastructural achievements of the state. The area surrounding the dam known as Singrauli is rich in coal reserves and has the largest concentration of mining equipment. The presence of Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar has helped the state emerge as one of the top power generating states in India. It has the capacity to generate around 10000MW of power and caters to electricity needs of most North Indian States. The natural scenic beauty of the area surrounding the dam makes it one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. There are numerous bewitching landscapes, waterfalls and hills for indulging in trekking.

Parichha Dam

This famous dam built over the Betwa River during 1881-1886 is a major dam of the state. It was built by the British rulers to create a water body that could cater to the needs of farmers and families of this region. The dam, located 34 km from Jhansi is huge at 1175 meters length and a height of 16.77 meters. There is tremendous scope for boating and fishing in the areas surrounding the water body. Parichha Dam satisfies the demand for water for drinking and agricultural activities of the Bundelkhand region, known for water scarcity. The thermal power station attached to the dam has a fully functional coal plant which can generate 1140 MW of power while operating at peak capacity.

Matatila Dam

Matatila Dam is a site which offers an amazing sight of nature. It is situated on the Betwa River in the Lalitpur district of the state. The dam was built in 1952 and is about 6.30 kilometers in length. Its height is 33.53 meters. It covers an area of 20,720 square kilometers. The storage capacity of the dam is 1132.68 MCM. Electricity generated by the dam serves the need for power for residents and industry up to Kanpur. Beautifully carpeted green land, waterfalls and a well-maintained rose garden and children’s park are the main attractions to look for while visiting Matatila Dam.

The Jamni Dam

The Jamni Dam is a medium irrigation project but vital as a water resource for the state. It was approved for construction in the five-year plan. Work on the dam commenced in 1962 and was completed in 1973. It is built over the Jamni River, is 6.40 km long and 19.18 meters in height. The dam covers an area of 414 square kilometers and has a storage capacity of 92.89 MCM. People of the Jhansi and Lalitpur districts are benefitted by the dam which has been able to bring 11.27 hectares of land under irrigation.

The Rohini Dam

The Rohini Dam on the Rohini River serves the irrigation needs of the people staying in the area which it serves. The dam is in the Lalitpur district. Construction of the dam was done in 1977. It is 1.65 km long and 15.50 meters in height. The dam encompasses an area of 44 square kilometers. The storage capacity of the dam is 12.12 MCM. An impressive 3300 hectares of land is irrigated by the water from Rohini Dam.

The Shahzad Dam

The Shahzad Dam is yet another dam in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated in the outskirts of the district and is primarily responsible for providing irrigation to the district. Work on the dam commenced in 1973 but was completed only in1992. The dam is about 4.16 km long and has a height 18.00 meters. It covers an area of 514 square kilometers. It has a storage capacity of 130.00 MCM. The Shahzad dam helps irrigate nearly 16,000 hectares of land in Lalitpur district. It provides 1.70 MCM of water for drinking purpose.