Introduction
The Sardar Sarovar Dam stands as a symbol of India's ambitious development in water resource management. Constructed on the Narmada River near Navagam in Gujarat, the dam has emerged as a key pillar of agricultural and economic development in western India. It is part of the Narmada Valley Development Project, a massive plan involving multiple large and medium dams across the river’s basin.
While the dam has significantly improved irrigation and water availability in drought-prone regions, it has also sparked decades of debate and protest over environmental concerns and the displacement of local populations. Balancing developmental benefits and social responsibilities, the Sardar Sarovar Dam remains one of India's most studied infrastructure projects.
1. Historical Background
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The idea for harnessing the Narmada River dates back to the 1940s.
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The project was formally launched in 1961 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
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Due to inter-state disputes, the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) was set up in 1969 to allocate water between Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
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Major construction picked up momentum in the 1980s, and after prolonged legal and social activism, the dam was completed in 2017.
2. Geographic and Structural Features
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Location: Navagam, near Kevadia village in the Narmada district of Gujarat.
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River: Built on the Narmada River, which originates in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea.
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Type: Gravity dam made of concrete.
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Height: 163 meters (after completion of final phase).
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Length: 1.2 kilometers.
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Reservoir Capacity: Live storage capacity of over 5.8 million acre-feet.
3. Major Objectives and Utilities
a. Irrigation
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Provides water to over 18 lakh hectares of land across Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
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Lifeline for drought-prone regions of Kutch and Saurashtra.
b. Drinking Water Supply
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Supplies potable water to 9,000 villages and 173 towns in Gujarat.
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Vital for urban water security in dry districts.
c. Hydroelectric Power
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The Sardar Sarovar Power Project generates up to 1,450 MW of electricity.
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Shared among Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
d. Flood Control and River Navigation
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Helps in moderating floods during monsoon season.
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Potential for inland navigation and tourism development.
4. Social and Environmental Concerns
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Displacement: Around 2 lakh people were affected due to submergence of villages in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
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Environmental Impact: Submergence of forests, biodiversity loss, and alteration of river ecology.
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Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA): Led by Medha Patkar, the movement raised national and international attention regarding displacement, rehabilitation, and sustainable alternatives.
5. Developmental Impact
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The project has led to green revolution-like changes in dry areas of Gujarat.
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Boosted economic development, agriculture, and tourism (especially near Statue of Unity, which is located nearby).
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Improved access to water has led to public health improvements, reduced migration, and better livelihoods.
6. Role in Inter-State Cooperation
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The Sardar Sarovar Project represents inter-state collaboration and conflict resolution.
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Water-sharing between Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan is based on the NWDT Award, a legal precedent in Indian federal water law.
Conclusion
The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a towering achievement in India’s post-independence infrastructure journey. While it has sparked critical debate over displacement and environmental ethics, it has undeniably transformed water-scarce regions into thriving agricultural belts, provided electricity to millions, and elevated the standard of living in rural and urban Gujarat.
The dam’s journey also serves as a reminder that inclusive development—where progress aligns with human rights and ecological care—is essential for long-term success. As we look toward a future impacted by climate change, water security, and sustainable urbanization, the lessons from Sardar Sarovar’s evolution will continue to guide India’s water resource policies.