After independence, the necessity of constructing water resources and hydropower project was felt by politicians and many multipurpose projects were conceived and executed by the Irrigation Department.

The Irrigation Department is known for its specialization in the construction of Dams and barrages, some of the examples are Ichari Dam, Dakpathar Barrage, Asan barrage, Maneri Bhali Stage– I, Maneri Bhali Stage-II, Pashuloke barrage, Ramganga Dam, Tehri Dam etc.

At the foothills of the Kumaon/Tarai region, a series of dams such as Kalagarh, Pili, Tumaria and Tumaria extension, Haripura & Baur, Baigul, Dhaura and Nanak sagar were constructed in the 1960s for the purpose of efficient irrigation. Because of recharging from these dams sustained ground water is a major feature of this Tarai belt.

The department has played an key role in the Investigation, Planning, Design and other appurtenant works of Tehri, Koteshwar, Srinagar, Vishnu prayag and Dhauli ganga projects.

• Irrigation Research Institute, Roorkee : – It is a premier institute in the field of preparing D.P.R. of various projects, survey, hydraulic modelling, civil Engineering, material testing & ground water studies.
• State Engineers Academy, Roorkee : – It is a premier institute providing training to the newly appointed engineers of various departments of Uttarakhand.
• State Irrigation workshop, Roorkee : - This unit is specialised in all types of fabrication and erection works of various hydro projects all over India.

Presently, the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department is involved in Canal Construction, tube wells, flood protection works and construction of reservoirs for the purpose of water conservation and generation of electricity. The Department is currently entrusted for the construction of Song dam for drinking water and Jamarani dam for multipurpose hydroelectric project