Tungabhadra Dam: Location, River, Features & UPSC Questions

The Tungabhadra Dam is a large multipurpose project built across the Tungabhadra River. Located near Hospet in Karnataka, it serves irrigation, power generation, and flood prevention. This dam is a key geographical feature often relevant for UPSC exams, highlighting regional development and river systems.

Tungabhadra Dam

The tungabhadra dam is a major infrastructure project. It is known by another name, Pampa Sagar. Construction finished in 1953. This was a joint effort. It started with Hyderabad state and Madras Presidency. Later, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh shared the project. The dam is about 49.5 meters high. It has 33 crest gates. Its reservoir holds 101 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) of water. The catchment area covers 28,000 sq. km. This tungabhadra reservoir upsc detail is important. Uniquely, it was built using mud and limestone. The Mullaperiyar dam is the only other reservoir constructed this way.

Tungabhadra River

The Tungabhadra River is a major river in South India. It is the largest tributary of the Krishna River.

• Origin: The Tunga and Bhadra rivers merge to form it. Both originate from the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. This merger happens at Koodli in Shimoga district, Karnataka.

• Course: It flows mainly northwest. It joins the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh at Sangamaleshwaram. The Krishna River then flows into the Bay of Bengal.

• Length and Area: The river is 531 km long. Its catchment area is 28,000 sq. km.

• States: It flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

• Monsoon Impact: The South-West monsoon greatly influences its water levels.

• Tributaries: The Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River are major tributaries.

• Dams: Other dams on the river include Tunga Anicut Dam and Bhadra Dam.

• History: Hindus consider this river sacred, known as Pampa in Ramayana. It was crucial for the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi, its capital, was on its banks. Knowing where is tungabhadra dam involves understanding its river context.

Importance and Significance

The tungabhadra dam serves as a lifeline. It supports six drought-prone districts. These are Bellary, Koppal, and Raichur in Karnataka. Anantapur, Cuddapah, and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh also benefit. Karnataka's rice bowl relies on this dam. It helps irrigate large agricultural areas. The dam also generates hydroelectric power. Flood prevention is another critical function. Such details are valuable for tungabhadra dam upsc questions.

Key Features of Tungabhadra Dam

The tungabhadra dam has several notable characteristics. It is a multipurpose project. It serves both irrigation and power needs. The key facts about Tungabhadra Reservoir UPSC are listed below:

• Name: Also known as Pampa Sagar.

• Location: Near Hospet town in Karnataka.

• Construction: Completed in 1953. It was a joint project of two states.

• Capacity: The reservoir has a storage capacity of 101 TMC.

• Height: The dam stands about 49.5 meters tall.

• Material: It is one of two dams in India built using mud and limestone.

Tungabhadra Dam UPSC PYQs

Students must practice tungabhadra dam upsc questions to prepare this topic well for the UPSC prelims examination:

Q1. Tungabhadra Dam is built on which river?

Answer: Tungbhadra

Q2. The Tungabhadra River is a tributary of which major river?

Answer: Krishna

Q3. Tungabhadra Dam is primarily located in which state?

Answer: Karnataka

Q4. Tungabhadra Dam is located near which town?

Answer: Hosapete

Q5. Tungabhadra Dam mainly serves which purposes?

Answer: Irrigation and flood control

Q6. Which two rivers join to form the Tungabhadra River?

Answer: Tunga and Bhadra

Q7. The Tungabhadra Dam project is jointly managed by which states?

Answer: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Q8. The Tungabhadra River originates in which mountain range?

Answer: Western Ghats