Bhimgoda Barrage

Bhimgoda Barrage is a prominent structure located in the city of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. It is a barrage built across the Ganges River, which is one of the most sacred and holy rivers in India. The construction of the Bhimgoda Barrage was completed in the year 1854 during the British colonial period in India. It is named after the legendary character Bhima, one of the Pandavas in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, who is said to have struck the ground with his mace, resulting in the emergence of the Ganges at this spot.

The Bhimgoda Barrage serves multiple purposes. It helps regulate the flow of the Ganges River, which is important for preventing flooding during the monsoon season. It also provides irrigation water to the surrounding areas and is used for hydroelectric power generation. The Barrage is an impressive structure, stretching over 350 meters in length and standing over 10 meters high. It has 23 gates that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water. During the monsoon season, when the river is in full flow, all the gates are opened to prevent the buildup of water upstream.

The Bhimgoda Barrage is not only an important engineering feat but also holds great religious significance. Haridwar is one of the holiest cities in India, and the Ganges River is considered a sacred river by Hindus. Many devotees come to Haridwar to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and offer prayers at the nearby temples.

In conclusion, the Bhimgoda Barrage is an impressive structure that serves multiple purposes, including regulating the flow of the Ganges River, providing irrigation water, and generating hydroelectric power. Its location in the holy city of Haridwar adds to its significance, both in terms of its engineering achievements and its religious importance.