THE ENGINEERING MARVEL OF NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (Distance from Hyderabad: 153 km) is the World’s Largest Masonry Dam built over Krishna River. It straddles the border between Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh and Nalgonda district in Telangana. The dam provides irrigation water to the districts of Palnadu, Guntur, Nalgonda, Prakasam, Khammam, Krishna and parts of West Godavari. It is also a source of hydro-electricity generation for the national grid. The dam holds the position of being the second-largest water reservoir of India.
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| LOCATION (Open Source: Google) |
First and foremost, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a testament to human endeavor in harnessing the forces of nature for societal advancement. Built in the mid-20th century, this colossal dam stands as one of the earliest and largest infrastructure projects in independent India. Its primary purpose was to address the pressing needs of water management and agricultural development in the region, transforming the arid plains into fertile lands and facilitating the growth of vibrant communities. Beyond its utilitarian functions, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam offers a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts seeking respite from the bustle of urban life.
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| THE MIGHTY KRISHNA RIVER – A VAST EXPANSE |
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| NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM |
Historical Factsheet
The Nizam made the British engineers begin the survey work for this dam across the Krishna River in the year 1903.The project's construction was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 10 December 1955 and proceeded for the next twelve years. Constructed between 1955 and 1967, the dam is 124 metres tall from its deepest foundation and 1.6 kilometers long with 26 flood gates which are 13 metres wide and 14 metres tall with a water reservoir with gross storage capacity of 11.472 billion cubic metres. Construction of the hydroelectric power plant followed, with power generation increasing between 1978 and 1985 as additional units came into service. In 2015, the diamond jubilee celebrations of the project's inauguration were held, alluding to the prosperity the dam has ushered into the region. The site of the dam was selected in 2022 to be developed as part of the UDAN scheme. The selection calls for the development of a water aerodrome at the site.
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| RICH BUDDHIST HERITAGE |
The construction of the dam submerged an ancient Buddhist settlement, Nagarjuna Konda or Sriparvata - Vijayapuri, which was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty in the 1st and 2nd centuries and the successors of the Satavahanas in the Eastern Deccan. Excavations yielded 30 Buddhist monasteries as well as artwork and inscriptions of historical importance. Prior to the reservoir's flooding, monuments were dug up and relocated. Some were moved to Nagarjuna Konda, now an island in the middle of the reservoir. Others were moved to the nearby mainland village of Anupu.
Tourist Hotspot
It is not just the dam which holds ones’ attention here, but also the lush green landscape around it that flourishes along the reservoir's banks teems with diverse flora and fauna, providing a haven for birdwatchers, botanists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Tourists flock to this dam for boating, fishing and for photography. The sunset here is sure to give Instagrammers worthy pictures.
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| NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM WETLANDS - A RICH & DIVERSE BIOSPHERE |
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| FERRY TO NAGARJUNA KONDA |
Moreover, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam holds a special place in the annals of Indian history and culture, serving as a repository of ancient heritage and religious significance. The region surrounding the dam is replete with historical sites and archaeological wonders dating back to antiquity. Nagarjuna Konda Island, situated in the midst of the reservoir, stands out as a treasure trove of Buddhist relics and artifacts, bearing witness to the rich cultural tapestry of the past. Details and reasons of the same have been brought out above as part of history. The serene ambiance of the island, coupled with its profound historical resonance, makes it a pilgrimage site for devotees and a source of fascination for history buffs.
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| BUDDHIST RELICS –
NAGARJUNA KONDA ISLAND MUSEUM |
Furthermore, Nagarjuna Sagar Dam serves as a gateway to a myriad of recreational activities and leisure pursuits for tourists of all ages. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching the abundant freshwater fish that inhabit the reservoir, adding an element of excitement to their outdoor adventures. There are several waterfalls in the area that add to the beauty of the place and one such waterfall that is a must visit while at Nagarjuna Sagar is the Ethipothala Waterfalls. This waterfall is at a small distance of 15 km from Nagarjuna Sagar and offers a breathtaking view of clear water cascading down from a height of 70 feet.
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ETHIPOTHALA WATERFALLS
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If one is a nature lover and a wildlife enthusiast then Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary which is a tiger reserve is a must visit. It would be a unique and exhilarating experience to spot several rare species of plants, animals and birds here while observing their behavior in the natural habitat.
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Buddhavanam is a massive Buddhist theme park on the northern bank of river Krishna just adjacent to Nagarjuna Sagar. It depicts the life of Buddha, his teachings, and major events in the history of Buddhism. There is a Maha Stupa (recreation of Amaravati Stupa) adorned with intricate carvings depicting Buddha’s life and important events. Additionally, there’s a Buddha statue gifted by the Government of Sri Lanka and a small park.
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BUDDHAVANAM
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Credits: The details in the text are taken from Open source - Government of Telangana & Andhra Pradesh Tourism Sites.
Very Informative blog post. Helps one navigate through the history of Nagarjun Sagar. Amazing Work.
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