Maan dam

About Maan dam

The Maan dam is one of the 30 large dams that has been planned as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project (NVDP). It is being constructed on the river Maan (that drains into the Narmada River) as an irrigation project in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.

The Maan Project received the legally binding environmental clearance from the Central Environment Ministry in 1994. The condition of the clearance was that the affected tribals must be resettled with non-forest agricultural land. The state government policy for the oustees of the Narmada Projects that was made in 1987 and firmed in 1992 also required that the affected people must be resettled with land for land. Despite this from 1991 to 1994, the state government completely violated the conditions of the environmental clearance and the provisions of its own policy and finished the rights of the people with paltry amounts of cash compensation.

As a result, in 1994, the Appraisal Committee of the Central Environment Ministry blacklisted the Maan Project for complete violation of the conditions of the environmental clearance. In 1997, when the oustees were given eviction notices, they organized themselves under the aegis of the Narmada Bachao Andolan and raised their voices. After a long struggle, in April-May 1999, the Madhya Pradesh government agreed to constitute a committee for the rehabilitation of the affected people. This committee which was constituted under the chairmanship of the Narmada Minister of Madhya Pradesh comprised of the affected people, elected representatives, government officials and two members of the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The government order of 2nd May, 1999 that constituted this committee clearly stated that no construction work on the dam would be allowed to be carried out that would endanger any affected person whose rehabilitation had not been completed. But despite this clear order, from October 2000 onwards, the state government began work on the spillway section of the dam, thus creating a situation of imminent submergence of hundreds of tribal families who are yet to be rehabilitated.

On the 24th of January this year, the Maan-affected tribals then took out a protest rally in Dhar demanding immediate stoppage of work and rehabilitation of the affected people. Subsequently after representations to the NVDA, a government order of 30th January stopped the work on the spillway section of the dam. The actual physical work had to be stopped by demonstrating people at the dam site demanding that the order be carried out.

All 17 villages affected by the Maan dam, are slated for submergence this monsoon. Yet, despite the fact that the rehabilitation policy of the state government for the oustees of the Narmada Projects deems that the oustees must be ehabilitated with irrigated land in lieu of the land that will be going under submergence, the 5000-6000 adivasi people who will be affected by this Project this year have not been thus rehabilitated.

These affected people have been on a dharna in Bhopal since May 15th with all their demands and issues pertaining to rehabilitation and their livelihoods. The State administration has instead responded quite characteristically by cutting electricity supply, removing handpumps, cutting down trees and bulldozing schools to forcibly evict these adivasis from their villages. The adivasis and activists of the NBA have responded by intensifying their struggle.

The situation as of today is that the government has decided to carry on the construction and drown out the people. The people of the Maan project area have resolved to stop the Project through non- violent but militant struggle. But the reality is that the spillway section of the dam is being plugged in at the rate of a foot a day. It is crucial that all work on the dam must immediately stop.

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Best time to visit Maan dam

October to March for pleasant weather

How to reach Maan dam

By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal) / Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) / Dumna Airport (Jabalpur) / Gwalior Airport are the nearest airports with regular flights from major Indian cities. By Rail: Well-connected via Indian Railways network with regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and other major cities. By Road: Regular state bus services and private taxis available from nearby cities. Madhya Pradesh has a well-maintained network of national highways.

Timings & opening hours

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry; nominal parking fee

Duration needed

1-2 hours

Location info

Madhya Pradesh, India.

Safety tips

Stay behind safety barriers; do not enter restricted areas; no swimming near dam walls

Things to carry

Camera; water bottle; walking shoes

Nearby visiting places

Reservoir catchment area, gardens, viewpoints, and nearby temples

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Accommodation options available in the nearest town/city. MP Tourism hotels, private resorts, and budget lodges are available near major tourist destinations. Advance booking recommended during peak season (October-March).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Madhya Pradesh cuisine — dal bafla, poha, bhutte ka kees, Bhopali kebabs, and Indori namkeen — offers distinctive regional flavours.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MP Tourism hotels and wildlife lodges offer reliable mid-range options across the state.

History of Maan dam

The Maan dam is one of the 30 large dams that has been planned as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project (NVDP). It is being constructed on the river Maan (that drains into the Narmada River) as an irrigation project in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.

The Maan Project received the legally binding environmental clearance from the Central Environment Ministry in 1994. The condition of the clearance was that the affected tribals must be resettled with non-forest agricultural land.

Things to do at Maan dam

View the dam structure, enjoy the reservoir views, take photographs, visit nearby gardens and parks, and learn about water management at interpretation centres.

Things to visit & highlights

Main attraction, surrounding natural or cultural sites, local markets, and nearby points of interest in the region.

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Emergency Services: Police - 100, Ambulance - 108, Fire - 101. District helpline numbers available at local tourist information centres. For wildlife/national park emergencies, contact the forest department control room. MP Tourism helpline: 1800-233-6500 (toll-free).

Nearest petrol pump

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum retail outlets are available in the nearest town or city. Major highways have fuel stations at regular intervals. It is advisable to fill fuel before entering remote areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks where fuel stations may be limited.

Frequently asked questions

What is the capacity of this dam? Capacities vary; most MP dams serve irrigation and hydroelectric purposes for surrounding regions.

Is fishing allowed? Fishing requires permission from local authorities.

Are there boating facilities? Boating is available at some reservoir dams (check local arrangements).

What is the best viewing point? The dam wall and the upstream reservoir area offer excellent views.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Dams And Reservoirs

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.