Dams in Gujarat were mainly constructed to control floods, but they later started to function as water suppliers and reservoirs. Gujarat has around 21 large dams, among the total of 541 Indian Dams. The five chief projects of Gujarat are the Dantiwada, Kadana, Dharoi, Ukai and Sardar Sarovar. These projects are considered to be the main sources of water for irrigation and drinking across the state. These five dams in Gujarat hold national significance.

Sardar Sarovar Dam
Sardar Sarovar Dam is one of the main projects executed in Gujarat. 30 large dams were planned for Narmada River in Gujarat. Sardar Sarovar Dam being the largest has a height of around 136.5 metres (455 feet). The multi-purpose Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) irrigates more than 1.8 million hectares. Further, Ukai Dam near Surat is known as a mega project in the state. This dam has a storage capability of around 46 percent of the whole capacity of the other dams in Gujarat when put together.

Dantiwada Dam
Dantiwada Dam is located on the outer reaches of Dantiwada in Banaskantha District of Gujarat. The dam stands across the Banas River and was built in the year 1965. The principal plan behind building the construction of Dantiwada Dam was flood control and to provide water for irrigation projects in the state. The dam is nearly 61 metres high and 4,832 metres long. The reservoir covers an area of about 40 sq km. The dam is considered as a prime tourist attraction of the district and attracts many visitors to its scenic surroundings and natural beauty. Situated nearby is Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary that forms the division between the Dharoi Dam and Dantiwada Dam.

Kadana Dam
Kadana Dam is another popular dam of Gujarat and the prime objective behind its construction on Mahi River was to control floods in the catchments area. It is an area where frequent floods take place in the central Gujarat area, whenever around 10lakh cusec water is released from the Kadana dam. With profound rains in the catchments areas of Rajasthan huge amount of water is released in this dam. During the monsoon season the water level in the Kadana dam increases up to 412.75 ft.

Dharoi Dam
Dharoi Dam is located at Dharoi in Sabarkantha District. Dharoi Dam was constructed for supplying drinking water to urban areas including Ahmedabad, which is located around 85 kilometres away. Dharoi Dam was built across Sabarmati River in the year 1973. The dam is one of the popular tourist spots of Gujarat. Another popular dam of Gujarat is the Tapar Dam on Sakra River.

Dholidhaja dam
Dholidhaja dam, located in Surendranagar, is the chief source of water for the cities of Wadhwan, Joravarnagar, Ratanpar and Surendranagar. The dam is on the Bhogavo River and supplies clean drinking water to almost 4 lakh people in and around the cities.

The other Dams in Gujarat include Kalpasar Project, Ukai Dam and Nayka Dam. The Dams in Gujarat are in important aspect I the development of the cities and the life style of people of Gujarat.