Vidarbha is home to a network of lakes and reservoirs that have historically served as critical sources of drinking water for its cities and villages.

These water bodies, often created by dams, support not only potable water needs but also irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control.

Here we explore nine significant lakes and reservoirs across Vidarbha that have played a pivotal role in providing drinking water, detailing their history, specifications, and current significance.

1. Pench Reservoir (Totladoh Dam) - Nagpur

The Pench Reservoir, formed by the Totladoh Dam on the Pench River, is a cornerstone of Nagpur’s water supply system. Located within the Pench National Park, this reservoir supplies over 70% of Nagpur’s drinking water, catering to a population of approximately 2.5 million. Constructed in 1989, the dam is an earthfill and gravity structure with a height of 74 feet and a length of 37,240 feet. Its gross storage capacity is substantial, ensuring a reliable water supply for the city and nearby areas like Kalmeshwar, Koradi, and Khapa municipalities.

The reservoir also supports irrigation and powers the Koradi and Khaparkheda Thermal Power Stations through its right bank canal. Despite its critical role, the reservoir faces challenges from seasonal water level fluctuations, with reports indicating low storage levels during dry spells, necessitating careful water management by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation.

2. Upper Wardha Dam - Amravati

The Upper Wardha Dam, also known as Nala Damayanti Sagar, is situated on the Wardha River near Simbhora village in Amravati district. Completed in 1993, this earthfill straight gravity dam has a height of 147 feet and a length of 5,161 feet, with a gross storage capacity of approximately 60,779.50 cubic kilometres.

It serves as a lifeline for Amravati city, supplying drinking water to a population projected to reach 34,500 by 2026. The dam also supports Warud town and industrial needs, with a 25-million-litre-per-day water treatment plant established near Amravati. Its multipurpose design includes irrigation, flood control, and hydropower generation, making it integral to the region’s economy. However, low rainfall in recent years has led to reduced water levels, prompting the use of water tankers in Amravati division.

3. Nilona Reservoir - Yavatmal

Located 10 kilometres from Yavatmal city, the Nilona Reservoir has been the primary drinking water source for residents since its construction in 1972. This earth-lined reservoir, with an original capacity of 6.39 million cubic meters, has faced significant siltation, reducing its capacity by up to half. By 2014, water supply to Yavatmal was halved to 32 million litres weekly, leading to severe shortages, with residents receiving water only every seven to eight days during summer.

Community-led desilting efforts, supported by crowdfunding, have aimed to restore its capacity, highlighting local activism to secure water supplies. The reservoir’s scenic beauty also makes it a popular picnic spot.

4. Katepurna Dam - Akola

The Katepurna Dam, built in 1974 on the Katepurna River near Mahan in Akola district, is a vital source of drinking water for over 800,000 residents of Akola city and 69 surrounding villages. This earthfill dam has a height of 97 feet and a length of 6,600 feet, with a gross storage capacity of 97.67 million cubic meters. It also supports irrigation and is part of the Katepurna Wildlife Sanctuary, attracting water birds and tourists.

Water scarcity has been a recurring issue, with reports indicating that in 2016, Akola residents received water only every six days due to low storage levels in the dam.

5. Gosikhurd Dam - Bhandara

The Gosikhurd Dam, also known as Indira Sagar Dam, is located on the Wainganga River near Pauni in Bhandara district. Completed in 2008, this earthfill dam, with a height of 74 feet and a length of 37,240 feet, supports irrigation for 250,000 hectares across Bhandara, Nagpur, and Chandrapur districts.

It also plays a role in supplying drinking water to nearby municipal councils and gram panchayats. The dam’s reservoir began impounding water in 2009, but construction delays due to rehabilitation issues delayed full capacity utilisation until 2022. The dam’s significance extends to flood control, though heavy releases have occasionally caused flooding in downstream areas.

6. Irai Dam - Chandrapur

The Irai Dam, an earthfill and gravity dam on the Irai River near Chandrapur, is a critical water source for Chandrapur city and the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS). With a height of 98 feet and a length of 5,310 feet, it has a gross storage capacity of 226.5 million cubic meters.

The dam, located near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, has faced challenges with water levels, with only 49 MMC available in 2017 against a capacity of 160.245 MMC. During heavy rainfall, all seven gates have been opened to manage excess water, impacting downstream settlements.

7. Lower Wardha Dam - Wardha

The Lower Wardha Dam, located on theWardha River near Dhanodi in Wardha district, is an earthfill and gravity dam with a height of 91 feet and a length of 31,050 feet. It has a gross storage capacity of 253,340 cubic kilometers and is designed to provide irrigation, drinking water, and industrial water to Pulgaon, Dhamangaon, and adjacent villages.

The dam, part of a major irrigation project, reserves 12.07 million cubic meters for drinking purposes. Its construction faced delays due to funding and rehabilitation issues, but it remains a vital water source for the region.

8. Nalganga Dam - Buldhana

The Nalganga Dam, situated on the Nalganga River near Motala in Buldhana district, is an earthfill dam with a height of 98 feet and a length of 8,255 feet. Its gross storage capacity is 71,860 cubic kilometres, supporting irrigation and drinking water supply for nearby villages like Pimpalpati.

The dam’s role in reducing reliance on other water sources has been crucial, especially in a region prone to water scarcity. Recent reports indicate that the dam reached full capacity in 2024, benefiting the Rabi season’s irrigation needs.

9. Chandrabhaga Dam - Amravati

The Chandrabhaga Dam, located on the Chandrabhaga River in Amravati district, is an earthfill dam with a height of 147 feet and a length of 5,161 feet. Its gross storage capacity is 41,427 cubic kilometres, and it serves multiple purposes, including irrigation, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation.

The dam supports the drinking water needs of Amravati and surrounding areas, complementing the Upper Wardha Dam. Its strategic location in the Tapti-Purna river system enhances its importance for the region’s water management.

These nine lakes and reservoirs are the backbone of Vidarbha’s water security, supporting millions of lives through drinking water, agriculture, and industry.

Their scenic beauty and ecological significance also make them popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. As Vidarbha continues to navigate challenges like water scarcity and climate variability, these reservoirs remain symbols of hope and ingenuity, sustaining the region’s vibrant communities.