Bisalpur Dam | Tonk | Rajasthan | Bisalpur Dam Releases Water : 6 Gates Open

Bisalpur Dam is one of the largest dams in Rajasthan, located on the Banas River in Tonk District. It plays a significant role in supplying water to nearby regions, including Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, and Bhilwara.

1. Location and River

• Location: Near Deoli, Tonk district, Rajasthan.
• River: Built on the Banas River, which originates in the Kumbhalgarh Hills of the Aravalli range and is a tributary of the Chambal River.

2. Purpose of the Dam

• Irrigation: One of the primary purposes of Bisalpur Dam is to provide irrigation water to approximately 2,250 square kilometers of agricultural land in Rajasthan.
• Drinking Water Supply: The dam is also a major source of drinking water for millions of people in nearby cities and towns.
• Hydroelectricity: The dam contributes to generating electricity, though its hydroelectric output is relatively small.

3. Construction and Capacity

• Construction Year: The construction of the dam began in 1987 and was completed in 1999.
• Type: It is a gravity dam, meaning it uses the weight of the materials it’s made of (mainly concrete and stone) to resist the force of the water.
• Height: The dam is about 39.5 meters high.
• Length: The total length of the dam is around 574 meters.
• Storage Capacity: The full storage capacity of the Bisalpur Dam is 1,095 million cubic meters (MCM).

4. Reservoir and Catchment Area

• Reservoir: The dam forms the Bisalpur Reservoir, which holds a large amount of water used for both irrigation and drinking purposes.
• Catchment Area: The catchment area of the dam covers approximately 27,725 square kilometers.

5. Water Supply System

• The water supply from Bisalpur is essential to the state’s water management, as Rajasthan often faces water shortages. It helps to balance the growing demand for water in the region.
• The Bisalpur-Jaipur Water Supply Project supplies drinking water to the capital city of Jaipur and the surrounding areas.

6. Tourism and Surroundings

• The dam and its surrounding areas attract visitors for picnics, especially during the monsoon season when the water level rises and creates scenic views. The lush green surroundings and the reservoir make it a picturesque spot for locals and tourists.
• Recreational activities: While the dam itself is not a major tourist hub, it does offer opportunities for boating and photography, particularly after heavy rains.

7. Environmental Impact

• While the dam has benefited the region in terms of water supply and irrigation, its construction also impacted the local environment, including the displacement of nearby villages and changes to the local ecosystem.

8. Challenges

• Water Level Fluctuations: During droughts or periods of low rainfall, the water levels in the dam can drop significantly, affecting its ability to provide water to nearby cities.
• Sedimentation: Over time, sedimentation reduces the dam’s capacity to store water.

The Bisalpur Dam is a critical infrastructure project in Rajasthan, providing essential water resources for agriculture, drinking, and industrial purposes, while also being a place of interest for tourists looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.


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