Here’s a clear overview of Indira Sagar Dam (Gosikhurd) in Bhandara district, Maharashtra — a major irrigation and water-management project on the Wainganga River:
What It Is
Indira Sagar Dam, commonly known locally as Gosikhurd Dam or the Gosikhurd Project, is a large multipurpose irrigation and reservoir project built on the Wainganga River near Pauni in Bhandara district, Maharashtra.
Indira Sagar Dam, also known as the Gosikhurd Irrigation Project, is a major irrigation project located on the Wainganga River in Pauni Taluka of Bhandara district, Maharashtra, India. The project was launched in 1984 during the 7th Five Year Plan by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and was approved by the Planning Commission of India in 1995. It was declared a National Irrigation Project by the Government of India in 2009
The project involves the construction of a composite dam system, consisting of a 10,452.10-meter-long earthfill dam with a maximum height of 22.5 meters and a 903.90-meter-long concrete gravity dam with a central spillway reaching a maximum height of 28.37 meters. The spillway is ogee-shaped and equipped with 33 radial gates, each measuring 18.30 meters by 16.50 meters, designed to pass a flood discharge of 67,736 cubic meters per second. The dam impounds the Wainganga River, creating Indira Sagar Lake, which has a total capacity of 769,483,000 cubic meters and a surface area of 22.258 square kilometers.
The project aims to irrigate approximately 250,790 hectares of land across Bhandara, Nagpur, and Chandrapur districts, with annual irrigation potential estimated at 89,856 hectares in Bhandara, 19,481 hectares in Nagpur, and 141,463 hectares in Chandrapur. It includes a network of canals, such as a 99-kilometer-long right bank canal and a 22.93-kilometer-long left bank canal, along with four lift irrigation schemes at Akot, Ambhora, Mokharbardi, and Nerla. The Ambhora lifting station is complete, while the canal system remains under construction.
The project has faced criticism over environmental concerns and the displacement of around 92 villages, affecting over 100,000 people. Affected communities formed the Gosikhurd Prakalpgrast Sangharsh Samiti, demanding compensation and rehabilitation benefits in line with 1999 norms and special provisions following the project's national status. Compensation for displaced families was initiated in 2013 under Chief Minister Pruthviraj Chavan.
The dam is situated approximately 75 kilometers from Khandwa and is considered a significant engineering marvel and tourist destination, particularly during the monsoon season when the reservoir is full and the surrounding landscape is lush. It is also a popular spot for fishing, offering fresh water fish and prawns at economical rates. The site is accessible via Nagpur, with travel options including road and rail connections.
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