Govind Ballah Pant Sagar also known as Rihand Dam is the largest artificial lake of the India. The reservoir Govind Ballah Pant Sagar of is called Rihand Dam is the second largest dam. Rihand Dam is a concrete gravith dam located at Pipri, Sonbhadra, and Uttar Pradesh. The dam and reservoir are named in honor of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, an eminent freedom fighter and one of India's prominent political leaders who served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as the Union Home Minister of India.

Construction of the Rihand Dam began in the early 1950s and was completed in 1962 under the supervision of the central government's Water Resources department. The primary objective of the dam was to address the pressing issues of water scarcity and provide irrigation facilities for agricultural lands in the region. Additionally, the dam aimed to harness the hydropower potential of the river to support the growing energy demands of the nation.

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Spread across the borders of two Indian states - Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar covers an enormous area of about 101.8 square kilometers when filled to its full capacity. This vast reservoir has a maximum length of approximately 96 kilometers and an average width of 7 kilometers, making it a substantial water body on the Indian subcontinent. The dam itself is a concrete gravity dam, standing at an impressive height of around 91 meters and having a length of about 934 meters.

One of the key benefits of Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar lies in its ability to regulate and store water. During the monsoon season, when the river flow is abundant, the reservoir fills up, and its storage capacity helps control floods downstream. On the other hand, during the dry seasons, water from the reservoir is released to sustain the river flow, ensuring a continuous water supply for irrigation and domestic purposes.

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The water from the reservoir has transformed the arid and semi-arid lands surrounding it into productive agricultural regions. The water from the Rihand Reservoir has been extensively utilized for irrigation purposes, supporting the cultivation of crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. The increased agricultural productivity in the region has contributed significantly to food security and the socio-economic upliftment of the local communities.

Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar has been a vital source of hydropower generation in India. The dam's hydroelectric power station has a capacity of around 300 MW and plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to several states in the northern and central regions. The sustainable and renewable energy generated from the dam has been a boon to the power-deficient areas, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and contributing to India's efforts in sustainable development.

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The reservoir has also facilitated the growth of various industries in the surrounding areas. Industries such as paper mills, cement factories, and chemical units have found the water resources and electricity supply from the dam to be advantageous for their operations. The availability of water transportation on the reservoir has further facilitated the movement of goods, promoting trade and commerce in the region.

Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar has become a popular tourist destination, attracting nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers alike. The vast expanse of the reservoir surrounded by picturesque hills and forests creates a serene and captivating ambiance, drawing visitors from different parts of the country. Birdwatchers are particularly delighted by the diverse avian species that flock to the reservoir, especially during the migratory season.

The surrounding areas of the reservoir have also witnessed infrastructural development to cater to the needs of tourists. Hotels, guesthouses, and recreational facilities have sprung up, providing tourists with comfortable and enjoyable experiences. Water sports and boating activities on the reservoir have gained popularity, adding to the allure of the place and creating opportunities for local employment and entrepreneurship.

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Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar, or Rihand Reservoir, stands as a magnificent symbol of India's engineering prowess and its dedication to water resource management and sustainable development. This largest artificial lake in India has provided immense benefits to the region in terms of water supply for irrigation and domestic use, hydropower generation, industrial growth, and tourism development. While it has brought prosperity and progress, it also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed with careful planning and responsible management to ensure its sustainable contribution to the socio-economic growth of the nation.

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