Dams in Kerala

The Mullaperiyar Dam is the first dam in Kerala. However, it was not built to meet Kerala's needs; instead, it was constructed to provide irrigation for certain areas in Tamil Nadu, which was then under the Madras Government. Construction of the dam was completed in 1895 under British supervision. The dam's purpose was to harness the Periyar River—which originates in the Thekkady forests of the then-Kingdom of Travancore—and divert its water to Tamil Nadu. The dam was constructed using 'Surkhi,' a mixture of lime, brick powder, and sand.

The dam in Idukki is India's first concrete arch dam. Situated between the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, it stands 168.91 meters tall. Built without spillway shutters, the project was completed in 1974 with assistance from the Canadian government. Around fifty dams, both large and small, have been constructed in Kerala for irrigation and power generation. Some of these dams serve both purposes simultaneously.

Malampuzha Dam

It is the largest reservoir in Kerala. It is considered as the largest irrigation project in the state having a large network of canal systems. It is located in Palakkad district. The Impounds of  Malampuzha Dam is Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha. Malampuzha Garden and reservoir attracts tourists. The dam project was completed in 1955. The dam was considered as a multi-purpose project for supplying water for irrigation, power generation, drinking, fishing and water transport. Malampuzha Dam has brought prosperity to the district, making Palakkad the 'rice bowl of Kerala'.

Dams in Kerala (Rivers)

■ Pazhassi Dam - Valapattanam (Kannur)

■ Banasura Sagar Dam - Kabini (Wayanad)

■ Malampuzha Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Mangalam Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Parambikulam Dam - Chalakkudy (Palakkad)

■ Pothundi Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Walayar Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Siruvani Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Meenkara Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Kanjirapuzha Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Chulliyar Dam - Bharathapuzha (Palakkad)

■ Chalakkudy Dam or Sholayar Dam - Chalakkudy (Thrissur)

■ Peechi Dam - Karuvanoor (Thrissur)

■ Vazhani Dam – Keecheri (Thrissur)

■ Peringalkuthu Dam - Chalakkudy (Thrissur)

■ Mattupetty Dam - Periyar (Idukki)

■ Kundala Dam - Periyar (Idukki)

■ Idukki Dam - Periyar (Idukki)

■ Mullaperiyar Dam - Periyar (Idukki)

■ Malankara Dam - Muvattupuzha (Idukki)

■ Bhoothathankettu Dam - Periyar (Idukki)

■ Sengulam Dam – Periyar (Idukki)

■ Neriamangalam Dam - Periyar (Idukki)

■ Kakki Dam - Pamba (Pathanamthitta)

■ Parappar Dam - Kallada (Kollam)

■ Peppara Dam - Karamana (Thiruvananthapuram)

■ Aruvikkara Dam - Karamana (Thiruvananthapuram)

■ Neyyar Dam - Neyyar (Thiruvananthapuram)