Artificial Lakes in India – Complete Notes

Artificial lakes in India serve various purposes, such as supporting industrial and agricultural needs, generating hydroelectric power, providing residential water supply, and offering spaces for aesthetic or recreational activities. These man-made reservoirs, commonly referred to as artificial lakes, play a crucial role in water management across many countries. In India, they are an essential resource.

This guide highlights some of the key artificial lakes in India, which can be particularly useful for those preparing for competitive exams such as SSC, RRB NTPC, UPSC, state-level exams, and other Geography-related topics.

What are artificial lakes?

• Artificial lakes, also called reservoirs, are used worldwide as an essential source of water.

• These lakes are typically created by diverting a portion of a river and collecting water in a reservoir behind a dam.

• Seasonal changes in water flow and rainfall help maintain the water levels, reducing evaporation.

• In addition to dams, artificial lakes are sometimes formed by excavating land or using dykes to enclose water.

• These lakes vary in size and are built for different purposes, whether for household needs, agriculture, irrigation, stormwater management, power generation, or resource storage.

🔰 Also Explore: All Important Lakes in India Complete Notes 2024

List of Artificial Lakes in India

Here’s a closer look at Artificial Lakes in India, serving different sectors and making an impact in fields like irrigation, electricity generation, and water conservation.

Artificial Lake	Location
Bhojtal	Madhya Pradesh
Bhimtal Lake	Uttarakhand
Jaisamand / Dhebar Lake	Salumbar, Rajasthan
Gobind Sagar Lake	Himachal Pradesh (Bhakra Dam)
Barapani / Umiam Lake	Shillong, Meghalaya
Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha
Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar	Uttar Pradesh
Nagarjuna Sagar Lake	Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
Kodaikanal Lake	Tamil Nadu
Rana Pratap Sagar	Chittorgarh, Rajasthan (Chambal Valley Project)
Hussain Sagar	Telangana
Chembarambakkam Lake	Tamil Nadu
Lake Pichola	Udaipur, Rajasthan
Surajkund	Haryana
Sukhna Lake	Chandigarh
Maharana Pratap Sagar	Himachal Pradesh (Pong Dam)

Key Points about Some of the Important Man-Made Lakes in India

Bhojtal Lake

• Bhojtal, formerly known as the Upper Lake, is Asia’s largest manmade lake, located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

• The lake serves as a crucial source of drinking water for the residents of Bhopal.

• Situated in the west-central part of Bhopal, Bhojtal is bordered by Van Vihar National Park to the south, urban areas to the east and north, and agricultural land to the west.

• The catchment area is primarily rural, with some developed areas toward the eastern edge.

• Initially, the Kolans River was a tributary of the Halali River, but the construction of the lake involved building an earthen dam and a diversion canal, altering the river’s course.

• Now, the upper Kolans River and Bada Talab flow into the Kaliasot River.

• Bhojtal’s creation has had a significant impact on the local ecosystem and water management in the region.

Gobind Sagar Lake

• Gobind Sagar Lake is a significant reservoir located in the Una and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh.

• It was formed by the construction of the Bhakra Dam, one of the tallest gravity dams in the world.

• The lake is named after Guru Gobind Singh, the eleventh Sikh guru, and is situated on the Sutlej River.

• In 1962, the lake was designated as a waterfowl sanctuary, highlighting its importance as a habitat for bird species.

• Wildlife found around the lake includes Panther, Wolf, Chausingha, Sambar, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Nilgai, Chinkara, and wild boar.

• The water level of Gobind Sagar Lake fluctuates due to factors like rainfall and dam operations.

• The reservoir offers opportunities for water sports, making it a popular spot for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar

• Rihand Dam, also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, is the second-largest dam in India by storage volume, after the Indira Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh.

• The reservoir created by the Rihand Dam, Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, is India’s largest artificial lake.

• It is a concrete gravity dam located at Pipri in the Sonbhadra District of Uttar Pradesh.

• The reservoir straddles the border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

• The dam is constructed on the Rihand River, a tributary of the Son River.

• The catchment area includes Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

• It also provides irrigation water to Bihar, which is downstream of the river.

• The dam serves multiple purposes, including supporting agriculture and water management in the region.

Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake

• Maharana Pratap Sagar (Pong Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake) is a significant reservoir located in the Fatehpur, Jawali, and Dehra tehsils of the Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, India.

• Constructed in 1975, it was created by building the tallest earthfill dam in India on the Beas River.

• The reservoir is located in the wetland region of the Siwalik Hills.

• Named in honor of Maharana Pratap (1540–1597).

• The reservoir is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a wildlife sanctuary.

• It is one of the 49 international wetland sites designated under the Ramsar Convention in India.

• Area: The reservoir spans 24,529 hectares (approximately 60,610 acres), and the wetland portion covers 15,662 hectares (about 38,700 acres).

• Fishing resource: Along with Gobind Sagar Reservoir, it provides a primary source of fish for the Himalayan foothills and surrounding states.

• The reservoir’s creation caused the submergence of several towns and villages, displacing many families.

• Despite the challenges, it plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and economies.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam

• Rana Pratap Sagar Dam is a gravity masonry dam with a height of 53.8 meters (177 feet), located on the Chambal River at Rawatbhata, Rajasthan.

• It is part of a cascade development scheme for the Chambal River, which includes four projects:

• Gandhi Sagar Dam (48 km upstream in Madhya Pradesh)

• Jawahar Sagar Dam (28 km downstream)

• Kota Barrage (another 28 km downstream in Rajasthan)

• These structures primarily serve irrigation purposes.

• The dam generates hydropower, with a total capacity of 172 MW through four units, each producing 43 MW.

• Power generation occurs at the toe powerhouse, located next to the spillway, supported by releases from the Gandhi Sagar Dam and additional storage from the catchment area.

• The dam has frequently exceeded its estimated annual generation potential of 473.0 GWh.

• The power station was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi on February 9, 1970.

• Named in honor of Maharaja Rana Pratap, the dam reflects both historical significance and modern utility.

Umiam Lake

• Umiam Lake (also known as Bara Pani) is a significant reservoir located 15 km (9.3 miles) north of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India.

• It was formed in the early 1960s by damming the Umiam River.

• The catchment area of Umiam Lake and its dam covers approximately 225 square kilometers (87 square miles).

• The lake is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, water sports, and picnicking.

• Umiam Lake plays an important role in hydroelectric power generation, supporting the energy needs of the region.

• The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, featuring lush greenery, a variety of flora and fauna, and serves as a key ecological zone in Meghalaya.

• Umiam Lake enhances both the aesthetic appeal and tourism in the region, attracting visitors and locals alike.

Surajkund Lake

• Surajkund is an ancient reservoir located in Faridabad, Haryana, about 8 km (5 miles) from South Delhi.

• It dates back to the 10th century and is nestled against the Southern Delhi Ridge of the Aravalli range.

• Built by King Surajpal of the Tomara Rajputs, it was designed as a sun-worshipping site.

• The reservoir is shaped like an amphitheater, with semicircular embankments, and a Sun temple was established on its western bank.

• Surajkund is famous for hosting the Surajkund International Craft Mela, which attracted over 1.2 million visitors in the 2015 edition, including 160,000 foreigners from over 20 countries.

• The area surrounding Surajkund includes 43 paleolithic sites dating back to 100,000 BC, featuring rock art and microlithic stone tools.

• It is part of the Northern Aravalli leopard wildlife corridor, connecting the Sariska Tiger Reserve to Delhi and hosting diverse flora and fauna.

• Nearby important sites include Badkhal Lake (6 km northeast), Anangpur Dam (16 km north), Damdama Lake, Tughlaqabad Fort, and Adilabad ruins.

• Seasonal waterfalls in the Pali-Dhuaj-Kot villages and the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary are also in close proximity.

• Surajkund is surrounded by lakes formed from abandoned open-pit mines and is part of the leopard habitat, contributing to its ecological importance.

• The site holds both historical and cultural significance, making it an essential part of Haryana’s heritage.

Jaisamand Lake

• Dhebar Lake, also known as Jaisamand Lake, is India’s first and the world’s oldest historical lake.

• It is the second-largest man-made freshwater lake in India, located in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan.

• The lake was constructed in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh, using the waters of the Gomti River.

• The Bhil Minas tribe inhabits the three islands within Jaisamand Lake, contributing to the region’s cultural significance.

• Jaisamand Lake features eleven islands, some of which serve as sanctuaries for migratory birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

• The lake is surrounded by hills and adorned with summer mansions along its shores, enhancing its natural beauty.

• Jaisamand Lake is a peaceful retreat, offering a tranquil environment and stunning landscapes for visitors seeking a serene escape.

Hussain Sagar Lake

• Hussain Sagar Lake is a heart-shaped lake located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

• It was established in 1563 by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, and built over a stream of the Musi River.

• The lake is named after Hussain Shah Wali, the master architect of the kingdom.

• Hussain Sagar is a man-made water body that is continuously fed by canals from the Musi River, ensuring a steady water supply.

• Before the construction of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar on the Musi River, Hussain Sagar was the main source of water for Hyderabad.

• One of the lake’s most notable features is the Buddha statue, carved from a massive 450-ton piece of white granite.

• The statue took 200 sculptors two years to complete and symbolizes peace and harmony in the city.

• Today, Hussain Sagar Lake is a popular recreational area and serves as a key landmark in Hyderabad.

Chembarambakkam lake

• Chembarambakkam Lake is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, approximately 25 kilometers from the city center.

• It is one of the two rain-fed reservoirs that supply water to Chennai, the other being Puzhal Lake.

• The lake is the primary source of the Adyar River, playing a crucial role in the city’s water supply.

• Also known as Puliyur Kottam, Chembarambakkam Lake is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, which beautifully contrast with the surrounding diverse types of vegetation.

• The lake not only serves as an essential water source for Chennai but also provides a serene environment, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the bustling city.

Lake Pichola

• Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

• It was created in 1387 by Rana Lakha (or Laksh Singh) and is named after the nearby Picholi village.

• Lake Pichola is one of several lakes developed over the centuries in and around Udaipur, primarily for drinking water and irrigation purposes.

• The lake is surrounded by picturesque hills and palaces, contributing to Udaipur’s reputation as the “City of Lakes.”

• Two notable islands within Lake Pichola are:
• Jag Niwas: Home to the Lake Palace, now a luxury hotel offering stunning views of the lake.
• Jag Mandir: Features a palace that was used as a retreat by the royal family and is open to visitors.

• Lake Pichola is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors for its scenic beauty, boat rides, and historical significance.

• The lake offers stunning views of the surrounding architecture and natural landscapes, making it a must-visit location in Udaipur.

• It has been featured in several films and is integral to Udaipur’s identity, reflecting the rich heritage and royal history of the region.

• Lake Pichola is significant not only for its historical and cultural aspects but also serves as a vital resource for the local population, making it a cherished landmark in Rajasthan.

Conclusion

Man-made lakes, commonly known as reservoirs, serve as essential water supplies across the globe. These lakes are typically created by diverting a portion of a river and storing the water behind a dam.

Artificial lakes vary in size, with each one designed for specific purposes that cater to both residential and commercial needs. These functions include irrigation, stormwater management, energy generation, and resource storage. By effectively managing water resources, these lakes play a vital role in supporting communities and sustaining agricultural practices.

FAQs

You May Like: