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Andhra Pradesh Somasila Dam
Somasila dam was one of the major water irrigation projects in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh state of India. This dam is constructed over Pennar River. Nearby areas of the river were not getting proper irrigation and reason being productivity of the entire state was affecting. To overcome this situation, a dam was planned to be constructed over the Pennar River to provide irrigation facilities to the surrounding areas. This dam is located at 81 kilometers from Nellore district. Maximum 1:30 hrs journey is needed to reach this dam. Connectivity to this dam is better as Podalakur road where this place is located is very populous and frequent transports are available to reach Somasila Dam.
History
This dam was planned in 1979 and execution started in 1981. A detailed survey of surrounding areas was carried out and more than 2835 families were earmarked who had to relocate with their dwelling units as a result of construction of this dam. Later, these families were given shelter officially in nearby areas. A sufficient compensation to the affected families was also provided so that they can do a comeback for fixing their economical roots. After a ten year long construction process including various constraints, this dam was completed in 1989. During the Chief Minster ship of Mr. N.T. Rama Rao, this dam was completed and dedicated to the nation. Later, this dam was become much popular for its irrigating approaches towards last field in the surrounding areas. A large network of canals has been attached from this dam which irrigates the entire Nellore district as well as other parts of the state.
Technical Portion
Height of this dam is 39 mtrs excluding the foundation. A 23.2 mtr thick wall has been provisioned to take huge load of water in the reservoir attached to the dam. Length of the dam is 352 mtrs. Main impounding river for this dam is Pennar. This is multipurpose dam which is assigned with irrigation tasks, supply of drinking water in nearby cities and also generation of Hydro electricity. Catchment area of the dam has been restricted upto 4864.5 Th Ha. Maximum water level of the reservoir is 101.8 mtrs. MDDL of the water reservoir is 82.3 mtrs as gross storage capacity is restricted upto 2208.62 mtrs. 12 Spillway gates have been provisioned in this dam to regulate and control the discharge of water. Dimension of the spill way gates are 15’ x 14’ and 96 villages have been affected due to construction of this dam.
Attractions
Somasila dam in the state is itself a grand place of tourism but accept this place some other interesting spots are also located in the nearby areas of this dam.
Krishna Water Scheme
This water scheme is another attraction around Somasila Dam. Krishna Water Scheme is providing irrigating, drinking water support to Tamil Nadu areas, is located just around this dam.
Ancient Period Temples
In the surrounding areas of Somasila, there are various temples of ancient period. A Lord Ramakrishnaswamy is located at 54 kilometers distance from this dam site. It is believed that in this temple, Rishi Kanva had taken rest for some time. He also preached there and due to the blessings of the Rishi, this area is green till date.
Various type of water sports, boating and water scooting facilities have been provided by the state government in this area. A park and view point of the dam has been designed in very technical manner to attract a number of visitors to this area time and again. Connectivity to this dam is well by means of Air, Rail and Raod routes. Hyderabad is the nearest airport to this dam. Hyderabad airport is just located at 80 kilometers distance from this location. Nellore is the nearest railway station from where all the major trains of BG available at all time. From railway station, frequent transportation facilities are available to access this dam.
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