The dams of Gujarat were primarily constructed to control floods, but later started to function as water suppliers and reservoirs. Gujarat has around 21 large dams, among the total number of 541 Indian Dams. The 5 major projects of Gujarat are the Dharoi, Dantiwada, Kadana, Ukai and Sardar Sarovar. These projects are considered to be the prime sources of water for irrigation and drinking across the state. These 5 Dams hold national importance.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam is one of the major projects executed in Gujarat. 30 large dams were planned for River Narmada in Gujarat and the Sardar Sarovar Dam being the largest has a height of 136.5 m (455 feet). Inspite of all the commotion created by the Narmada Bachao Andolan`s members, the multi-purpose Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) irrigates more than 1.8 million hectares.

Ukai Dam near Surat is known as a mega project in the state. The storage capacity of Ukai dam is almost 46 percent of the total capacity of all the other existing dams in Gujarat if put together.

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 1965. The primary aim behind building the Dantiwada Dam was flood control and to provide water for irrigation projects in the state. The dam is 61 m high and 4,832 m long. The reservoir encompasses an area of about 40 sq km. The dam currently is a prime tourist attraction of the district and pulls many visitors to its scenic surroundings and natural beauty. Balaram Ambaji Wild Life Sanctuary is located nearby which forms the separation point between the Dantiwada Dam and Dharoi Dam.

The primary objective of the Kadana Dam on River Mahi was to control floods in the catchment 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 heavy rains in the catchment areas of Rajasthan huge quantity of water is released in the dam. The level in the Kadana dam rises to 412.75 ft during the monsoon season.

Located at Dharoi in Sabarkantha District, the Dharoi Dam was built for supplying drinking water to urban areas such as Ahmedabad that is located 85 kilometers away. Dharoi Dam was constructed across the Sabarmati River in 1973. The dam is also one of the tourist spots in the state, with Gadada Shamlaji another nearby tourist attraction. Dharoi Dam can be reached from Poshina, which is located about 45 km away.

Another dam which is part of the Gujarat state is the Tapar Dam on River Sakra.