The Omkareshwar Dam is a multi-purpose concrete gravity dam located on the [[Narmada River]] in the [[Khandwa district]] of the Indian state of [[Madhya Pradesh]]. It is a significant component of the larger [[Narmada Valley Development Project]], designed to harness the river's potential for power generation and irrigation.
Overview The Omkareshwar Dam serves dual purposes: generating hydroelectric power and providing water for irrigation. Constructed as a concrete gravity dam, it impounds the waters of the Narmada River to create the Omkareshwar Reservoir. The dam stands approximately 73.15 meters (240 ft) high from its deepest foundation and spans a length of about 949 meters (3,114 ft).
Hydroelectric Power Generation The dam is integrated with the Omkareshwar Power Station, which houses eight generating units. Each unit has an installed capacity of 65 MW, bringing the total installed capacity of the power station to 520 MW. This hydroelectric power contributes significantly to the energy grid of Madhya Pradesh and the surrounding region.
Irrigation Benefits Beyond power generation, the Omkareshwar Dam project plays a crucial role in regional agriculture. It facilitates the irrigation of vast tracts of agricultural land in the Khandwa, Khargone, and Harda districts of Madhya Pradesh, thereby enhancing crop productivity and supporting the livelihoods of local farming communities.
Geographical and Cultural Context The dam is strategically located downstream of the [[Indira Sagar Dam]] and upstream of the proposed Maheshwar Dam, forming part of a cascade of major projects on the Narmada River. Its proximity to the sacred island town of [[Omkareshwar]], a revered Hindu pilgrimage site featuring one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, gives it cultural significance. While the dam's reservoir has transformed the local geography, the pilgrimage site remains a central cultural and religious landmark in the region. The project's development, like many large-scale infrastructure initiatives, has involved addressing various environmental and socio-economic considerations.