Complete Guide to All Dams in Kerala: Names, Features, and Comparisons

Comprehensive Guide to All Dams in Kerala: Names, Locations, and Features

Kerala, a state in southern India, is known for its rich water resources, including numerous rivers and dams that play a critical role in water management, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. This blog provides an in-depth look at all the major dams in Kerala, highlighting their names, locations, and key features. Additionally, we offer comparative insights into their purposes and capacities.

List of Major Dams in Kerala

Below is a detailed list of the most significant dams in Kerala, each contributing uniquely to the state's infrastructure:

Dam Name	River	District	Purpose	Year Completed
Idukki Dam	Periyar River	Idukki	Hydroelectric Power	1973
Mullaperiyar Dam	Periyar River	Idukki	Irrigation, Water Supply	1895
Malampuzha Dam	Malampuzha River	Palakkad	Irrigation, Water Supply	1955
Neyyar Dam	Neyyar River	Thiruvananthapuram	Irrigation, Water Supply	1958
Peechi Dam	Manali River	Thrissur	Irrigation	1957
Parambikulam Dam	Parambikulam River	Palakkad	Irrigation	1967
Kakki Dam	Pamba River	Pathanamthitta	Hydroelectric Power, Water Supply	1966
Idamalayar Dam	Idamalayar River	Ernakulam	Irrigation, Power Generation	1985

Informative Table: Key Specifications of Dams in Kerala

Understanding the scale and purpose of these dams is crucial for appreciating their role in Kerala's infrastructure. The following table outlines some key specifications, such as height, length, and storage capacity:

Dam Name	Height (m)	Length (m)	Storage Capacity (Mm³)	Installed Capacity (MW)
Idukki Dam	168	365	1996.3	780
Mullaperiyar Dam	53.66	365.85	443.23	-
Malampuzha Dam	37	1849	226	-
Neyyar Dam	56	2948	106.3	-
Peechi Dam	47	213	125	-
Parambikulam Dam	72	425	505	-
Kakki Dam	116	336.9	477.35	340
Idamalayar Dam	102.8	365	1078	75

Comparative Insights: Dams in Kerala

1. Purpose and Usage

• Irrigation: Dams like Malampuzha and Parambikulam are primarily used for irrigation purposes, ensuring water supply to vast agricultural lands in the region.

• Hydroelectric Power: Idukki and Kakki dams are crucial for power generation, contributing significantly to Kerala’s electricity supply.

2. Geographical Distribution

• The majority of Kerala's dams are located in districts with major rivers, such as Idukki and Palakkad, which have multiple large-scale dams due to their favorable topography and water flow.

3. Environmental Impact

• While these dams play a vital role in resource management, they also have environmental impacts, such as displacement of communities and changes to local ecosystems, which are important considerations in ongoing and future projects.

Conclusion

Kerala's dams are essential to the state's water management, agriculture, and energy production. Each dam has been constructed with specific objectives, whether it's to support irrigation, generate power, or supply drinking water. By understanding the features and purposes of these dams, we can appreciate their importance in maintaining Kerala's ecological and economic stability.

FAQs

1. Which is the largest dam in Kerala?

The Idukki Dam is the largest in Kerala, both in terms of height and storage capacity.

2. What is the primary purpose of dams in Kerala?

The primary purposes include irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.

3. How many dams are there in Kerala?

Kerala has over 60 dams, with the major ones being listed above.

4. Which dam in Kerala generates the most hydroelectric power?

The Idukki Dam is the largest producer of hydroelectric power in Kerala.

5. Are there any environmentally significant impacts of dams in Kerala?

Yes, the construction and operation of dams have led to environmental changes, including habitat alteration and displacement of local communities.

For a more detailed exploration of Kerala’s dams, visit Kerala's Water Resources Department.