Bisalpur Dam located in Tonk district of Rajasthan is one of the major water projects of the state. This dam built on the Banas River plays an important role in the supply of drinking water and agriculture in many areas including Jaipur, Ajmer and Tonk. It has special significance for Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, hence it is often called the 'lifeline' of the city.
Where is Bisalpur Dam located?
Bisalpur Dam is built on the Banas River near Deoli in Tonk district of Rajasthan. This is a gravity dam, i.e. a dam which stops the pressure of water with the help of its own weight. It was constructed with the aim of meeting the needs of drinking water supply and irrigation.
When did the construction start?
The foundation stone of Bisalpur Dam Project was laid in the year 1985 by the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shivcharan Mathur. Construction work began in 1987 and the dam was completed in 1999. It was filled to full capacity for the first time in the year 2004. The main objective of preparing this project was to provide water to such areas where there was not enough water available for drinking water needs as well as for irrigation. The construction of the dam helped improve water management in many districts of Rajasthan.
Why is Bisalpur Dam special for Jaipur?
Bisalpur Dam provides drinking water to Jaipur city. Apart from this, Ajmer and Tonk districts and many towns and villages on the way also get water from it. According to government details related to the project, water from the dam is also used for irrigation.
In a rapidly growing city like Jaipur, the demand for drinking water remains important. In such a situation, Bisalpur Dam is the main source of water supply system of the city. While sufficient water in the dam helps meet the needs of the city and surrounding areas, the challenge of water management increases during periods of low rainfall.
Main features of the dam
The length of Bisalpur Dam is about 574 meters and its height is said to be about 39.5 meters. Its total water storage capacity is approximately 1,095.84 million cubic metres. The right and left main canals are also connected to the dam for irrigation. This project is not limited to drinking water supply only, but is also related to the needs of agriculture and rural areas. Availability of water for irrigation supports agriculture and water availability also impacts the local economy.
Environmental importance of Bisalpur Dam
The area around Bisalpur Reservoir is also considered important for birds and other wildlife. According to Rajasthan Tourism, more than 100 species of birds can be seen here. The reservoir and surrounding natural environment also make it attractive from tourism point of view. However, dam water is a limited resource. It is necessary to manage it on the basis of rainfall, inflow of water into the reservoir, demand for drinking water and irrigation needs. Bisalpur Dam is today counted among the important water projects of Rajasthan. Since its construction was completed in 1999, it has been playing an important role in drinking water supply and irrigation. Its usefulness especially for Jaipur makes it one of the major projects of the state.
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