Introduction
Bargi Dam is a major dam built on the river Narmada, located on the Jabalpur - Nagpur NH - 7 highway, some 40 kms from Jabalpur city. It is one of the first completed Dams out of the chain of 30 major dams to be constructed on Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. The reserved water of the Bargi Dam is used to irrigates about 3000 sq. km. of land and produce hydropower to the tune of 90 MW from its two turbines. The Bargi Dam is a major crowd puller and hence the tourism department has encouraged water sports here. One can enjoy Cruise ride, motor boat ride, speed boat ride in reservoir water. The Bargi dam is a perfect example of the man-made beauty. A visit to the place gives one a soothing and yet enjoyable experience.
Bargi Dam History
The Narmada is the largest river in Madhya Pradesh, India, flowing towards the west and falling in the Arabian Sea. Total length of Narmada River is 1312 Kms. of which it covers 1072 Kms. in M.P. The Bargi dam is one of the first supposedly completed dams among the chain of 30 major dams to be constructed on river Narmada. The proposal of this dam construction was conceptualized by the Central Water and Power Commission in 1968 predicting irrigation in 2.98 lakh ha. and hydro-power generation capacity of 105 MW. Later the Bargi diversion scheme was planned, increasing the total irrigation potential to 4.37 lakh ha. The total cost estimates initially conceived were Rs. 64 crores which since then shoot up to 566.31 crores in 1989, excluding the cost of canal construction which is estimated to be about 1660.80 Cr. ( Left bank canal Rs.565.6 Cr. and Right bank canal Rs.995.2 Cr). The dam construction work started in 1974 and was completed in 1990 when the gates were closed and the dam was filled to its complete capacity. The height of the dam is 69 mts. and length 5.4 kms. A lake of about 75 kms is in length and 4.5 kms width, spreading over 26797 ha. in Jabalpur, Mandla and Seoni districts is formed when the water is impounded up to the dam FRL of 422.76m.
Bargi Dam Tourism
Bargi dam lies in eco-tourism zone. Their are two ways from Jabalpur to Bargi dam. Private taxi vehicles are easily available from Jabalpur to Bargi dam and vice versa. Travel distance from Bargi dam to Jabalpur is 40kms. While visiting this site, we can expect to visit other nearby tourist attractions like rock-climbing site, Rani Durgavati Samadhi site, Rani Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary etc. As dam is constructed on Narmada river, this place is also good for holy visit. Here Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department have its hotel "Maikal Resort" as the only accommodation facility. After visiting this place, tourists have the chance to enjoy a cruise ride in dam backwater to enjoy the surrounding beauty and adventure of ride. This cruise liner is known by the name called 'Narmada Queen'. Also facilities like Speed Boating, Water Scooters, Paddle Boating, etc. have been provided for the tourists. Bargi Dam cruise ride are very exciting and the best way to enjoy the beauty of the dam. It offers you a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. To get a detailed and clear view of the water reserve and the dam you may choose hot air balloons that provide you an exciting ride. This curise operates in summers and winters season. Here visitor fee is charged on per person basis for all visiting tourists to cruise. This fee is submitted at hotel reception area of Maikal Resort. When it is raining heavily or water lever is low, curise ride do not operate. In order to know the current information, visitors may contact Hotel Maikal Resort of MPSTDC and get the update.
