Ujani Dam: Location, Capacity, and its Rank in India

Ujani Dam is one of the most significant river valley projects in Maharashtra due to its large storage capacity and strategic location on the Bhima River. It supports irrigation across drought-prone regions, generates hydroelectric power. 

This chapter is frequently mentioned in UPSC and state PSC examinations. Understanding Ujani Dam information is important for topics related to Indian geography, water resources, and environmental issues.

About Ujani Dam

Ujani Dam is located on the Bhima River near Ujjani village in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It is an earth-fill cum masonry gravity dam, founded on massive basaltic rock formations. The dam has a total length of 2,534 metres, with a central spillway section measuring 602 metres, and a height of 63 metres.

Constructed between 1977 and 1980, the primary objectives of Ujani Dam include irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply to surrounding regions. The dam has an installed power generation capacity of 12 MW, contributing to regional energy needs.

Ujani Dam Location

The Ujani Dam location is near Ujjani village in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, situated on the Bhima River. This region falls in the rain-shadow area of the Western Ghats, where water scarcity has historically affected agriculture. The strategic placement of the dam helps regulate water flow in the lower Bhima basin and supports irrigation in drought-prone districts of southern Maharashtra.

From an examination point of view, candidates should remember that the Bhima River is a major tributary of the Krishna River, and Ujani Dam plays a crucial role in controlling its seasonal flow. The location also makes the dam important for inter-state river basin discussions, as the Bhima flows through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.

Ujani Dam Year of Construction

The Ujani Dam year of construction spans from 1977 to 1980, reflecting India’s post-independence focus on large-scale irrigation and multipurpose river projects. The dam was developed to address recurring droughts and agricultural instability in the Bhima basin region.

For UPSC aspirants, the construction period is important as it places Ujani Dam within the broader context of river valley development projects undertaken during the late 20th century. Questions may link the construction timeline with irrigation expansion, rural development, or environmental challenges that emerged after large dams became operational.

Ujani Dam Capacity and Depth

The Ujani Dam capacity in UPSC terms is a key factual detail. The dam has a total storage capacity of 117 TMC (thousand million cubic feet). This makes it one of the largest reservoirs in Maharashtra. Out of this total capacity, 54 TMC is live storage, which is usable for irrigation and power generation, while 63 TMC is dead storage, which helps in sediment control and structural stability.

The Ujani Dam deep (depth) corresponds to its height of 63 metres, enabling it to store water across seasons. This large capacity ensures water availability during dry months and supports agricultural activities over a wide command area. Such figures are frequently asked in prelims as direct factual questions or used in match-the-following type questions.

Ujani Dam Rank in India

Although not the tallest dam in the country, Ujani Dam rank in India is notable due to its large storage capacity. It is considered one of the most significant storage dams in Maharashtra and is compared with other major Indian reservoirs in competitive exams.

In UPSC prelims, candidates may encounter comparative questions where dams are ranked based on height, storage capacity, or river systems. Ujani Dam’s high storage volume makes it relevant in discussions related to India’s major reservoirs and water management infrastructure.

Ujani Dam for UPSC Relevance

Ujani Dam UPSC relevance extends across multiple syllabus areas. In GS Paper I, it is important for physical geography and river systems of India. In GS Paper III, it is relevant for topics such as irrigation infrastructure, water resource management, and environmental pollution.

Questions related to Ujani Dam are asked in UPSC. Questions focus on the type of dam, its location on the Bhima River, storage capacity in TMC, or issues related to water quality and sustainability. Ujani Dam is also suitable for map-based questions, where candidates are asked to identify dams located on tributaries of the Krishna River.

Pollution Issues in Ujani Dam

One of the major concerns associated with Ujani Dam is severe water pollution. The Bhima River carries untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and urban waste from Pune and several smaller towns located upstream. These pollutants accumulate in the Ujani reservoir, degrading water quality over time.

From an environmental perspective, this pollution has affected aquatic biodiversity, irrigation suitability, and drinking water safety. For UPSC, this makes Ujani Dam an important case study linking urbanisation, river pollution, and reservoir management, especially under GS Paper III (Environment and Ecology).