The recent release of a substantial volume of water from the Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD) on the Narmada River has led to severe flooding in low-lying areas of the Narmada district. SSD, a concrete gravity dam located at Kevadia, Gujarat, is the third-highest in India and a key component of the Narmada Valley Project. It has an installed hydroelectric capacity of 1,200 MW and forms the vast “Sardar Sarovar Reservoir.” The Narmada River, the largest west-flowing river in peninsular India, spans 1,312 kilometers through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, before emptying into the Gulf of Cambay.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Sardar Sarovar Dam (SSD): A major concrete gravity dam constructed on the Narmada River in Gujarat, India. It is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Narmada Valley Project: A comprehensive hydraulic engineering initiative involving the construction of several large dams and reservoirs on the Narmada River, aimed at irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water resource management.
- Sardar Sarovar Reservoir: The extensive water body created by the Sardar Sarovar Dam, also known as “Narmada Lake,” which spans multiple districts in Gujarat.
- Narmada River: The largest west-flowing river in peninsular India, originating in Madhya Pradesh and flowing through Maharashtra and Gujarat, eventually reaching the Arabian Sea. It is known for its scenic beauty and significant role in regional water supply.
- Dhuandhar Falls: Prominent waterfalls located southwest of Jabalpur on the Narmada River, known for their misty appearance (“Dhuandhar” means “smoke cascade”).
- Tributaries: Streams or rivers that flow into a larger river. The Narmada River has several tributaries, including the Tawa, Barna, Hiran, and Orsang rivers, which contribute to its water flow and ecosystem.
