Irrigation dams are critical to India’s agricultural sector, especially in regions that face variable rainfall or drought conditions. These dams help store water for irrigation purposes, ensuring that crops receive a steady supply of water during dry spells.

Some of the major irrigation dams in India include:

1. Bhakra Nangal Dam (Punjab/Himachal Pradesh)

• One of the largest multi-purpose dams in India, built on the Sutlej River.
• It serves as a major source of irrigation for the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• It is also a significant power-generating station.

2. Sardar Sarovar Dam (Gujarat)

• Located on the Narmada River, this dam is part of the Narmada Valley Project.
• It provides water for irrigation in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• The dam also contributes to hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply.

3. Tungabhadra Dam (Karnataka/Andhra Pradesh)

• Built across the Tungabhadra River, it is crucial for irrigation in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
• It provides water for both agricultural irrigation and hydroelectric power.

4. Mettur Dam (Tamil Nadu)

• Located on the Kaveri River, the Mettur Dam is vital for irrigating the fertile delta of the Kaveri Basin in Tamil Nadu.
• It supports irrigation for the cultivation of crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton.

5. Krishna Raja Sagara Dam (Karnataka)

• This dam is built on the Kaveri River near Mysore and is one of the oldest irrigation dams in the region.
• It provides water to Bangalore and supports agriculture in the region.

6. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Telangana/Andhra Pradesh)

• Built across the Krishna River, this dam supports irrigation in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• It is also used for hydroelectric power generation.

7. Idukki Dam (Kerala)

• A key dam in Kerala, located on the Periyar River, primarily for irrigation purposes and power generation.
• It plays a significant role in supplying water for agriculture in the Idukki and Kottayam districts.

8. Kakrapar Dam (Gujarat)

Located on the Tapi River, this dam helps in irrigation and power generation for the surrounding areas of Gujarat.

9. Bansagar Dam (Madhya Pradesh)

• Located on the Sone River, it provides irrigation water to the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
• The dam also helps in flood control and hydroelectric power generation.

10. Rihand Dam (Uttar Pradesh)

Built on the Rihand River, it is mainly used for irrigation purposes in Uttar Pradesh and also provides water for power generation.

These dams are a lifeline for India's agricultural economy, especially in arid and semi-arid regions where irrigation is crucial for sustaining crops during dry periods. However, the management of these water resources can be challenging due to environmental concerns, water disputes between states, and the impact of climate change on water availability.