Koyna Dam

Why in news?

• The water resources department has decided to divert 10 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) water from Koyna dam for hydropower generation to ensure the Maharashtra does not face power cuts in next two months.

About Koyna Dam:

• The Koyna Dam is one of the largest dams in Maharashtra.
• It is a rubble-concrete dam constructed on Koyna River which rises in Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Sahyadri ranges.
• It is nestled in the Western Ghats on the state highway between Chiplun and Karad.
• The chief purpose of the dam is to generate hydroelectricity and also a little bit of irrigation in the neighbouring areas.
• In the 1967 earthquake at Koyna Nagar, the dam developed a few cracks. The dam has witnessed many other smaller earthquakes as well.
• The dam plays a vital role in flood control in monsoon season. The catchment area dams the Koyna river and forms the Shivsagar Lake which is approximately 50 km in length.

About Koyna River:

• The Koyna River is a tributary of the Krishna River.
• Koyna and Krishna River originate at Mahabaleshwar, they diverge at their origin, and travel for about the same distance to meet again in Karad which is 100 km from mahabaleshwar.
• Krishna and Koyna River’s confluence is called ‘Preeti Sangam’, meaning Confluence of Love. Karad is well known for sugar production. 
• The river flows in the north-south direction. Most other rivers flow in the east-west direction. The river is also called the ‘lifeline of Maharashtra’.
• Four tributaries of Koyna river are:
  • Kera, Wang, Morna and Mahind.

Add ons:

• Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1985.
• In 2007 Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary along with Chandoli National Park was declared as a part of Sahyadri Tiger Reserve declared by The National Tiger Conservation Authority.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding Koyna Dam

1. It is a tributary of the Godavari River

2. It originates from Eastern Ghats

3. It flows through two Indian states

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) None of the above

Answer