Sardar Sarovar Dam

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is a major dam located on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a concrete gravity dam, standing at a height of 163 meters and having a length of 1.2 kilometres. The construction of the dam began in 1987 and was completed in 2017. It was done as a part of the Narmada Valley Project. The aim was to provide water for irrigation, drinking, and hydroelectric power generation. However, the construction of the dam was also controversial due to concerns about its environmental and social impacts, particularly on the displaced communities.

Despite these concerns, the dam has become a popular tourist attraction due to its engineering marvel and historical significance. Tourists can enjoy boat rides in the reservoir, visit the nearby Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, or explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding region.

The construction of the dam faced opposition from environmentalists and social activists due to concerns about the displacement of indigenous communities, loss of biodiversity, and the impact on downstream river ecology. Despite these concerns, the dam was completed in 2017 after several years of delay and legal battles.

Today, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is a popular tourist attraction due to its engineering marvel and historical significance. The dam offers visitors the opportunity to witness the grandeur of the structure and enjoy boat rides in the reservoir. The nearby Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, is also a popular attraction among tourists. Visitors can also explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding region, including the Kevadiya Colony, which is a newly developed township near the dam.

History

The idea of building a dam on the Narmada River was first proposed in the 1940s, but it was only in the 1980s that the project was initiated under the Narmada Valley Development Plan. The project aimed at providing water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation, but it also faced opposition from environmentalists and social activists who highlighted the displacement of indigenous communities and loss of biodiversity as some of the adverse impacts of the dam. Despite the protests and legal battles, the construction of the dam was completed in 2017, after several years of delay. Today, the dam is considered to be a significant engineering feat and a symbol of India's progress in infrastructure development.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Sardar Sarovar Dam is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities. During this time, the temperatures are moderate, and the monsoon season has ended, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions. The summers, from March to June, can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season, from July to September, can be unpredictable with heavy rainfall and occasional flooding in the surrounding areas.

How To Reach?

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Vadodara Airport, which is approximately 90 kilometres away, and the nearest railway station is in Kevadiya, which is just 5 kilometres from the dam. One can also reach the dam by road as it is well-connected by highways and state transport buses. Taxis and private cars can also be hired from nearby cities like Vadodara, Surat, and Ahmedabad, to reach the dam.