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Kerala Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar dam is constructed over a tributary river of Kabini River in the Wayanad district of Kerala state of India. This project was started with the aim to help and support another power generation project named Kakkayam HEP Project of the same district. Another intention of this dam was also to provide drinking water the residents of the surrounding area as the area faced dryness in the summer season. Irrigation facilities were also not available in the Kalpetta area of Wayanad district. Thus a multipurpose task was assigned with the construction of this dam. In this dam, a group of different islands is present as maximum portion of the surrounding area was submerged in the reservoir water during the construction of this dam. This calamity was one of the biggest man made calamity in Kerela. But after a long period of confessing the public, the work again started and finally completed in 1979.
History
Banasura Sagar Dam was started in 1961 in the Kalpetta area of Wayanad district of Kerala state. This dam was aimed as a part of Kakkayam Hydro Power Project but a largest man made calamity happened during the construction of huge water reservoir of this dam. A large surrounding area was submerged in the water reservoir. The areas which were located on high altitude with a background of hillocks of Banasura hills were left and emerged as islands. Presently these islands provide a scenic view. This dam is one of the biggest in Asia. Exact location of this dam is 21 kilometers of distance from Kalpetta of Wayanad district. This dam is the biggest earthen dam in the country. Mahabali, who is mentioned in the history as great king, had a son named Banasura. On the name of king’s son, the area got the name as Banasura.
Technical Portion
This dam is more than 29.75’ thick walled made of concrete and iron. Mortars have also been used in construction. Water load of this dam is 29,754.00 CU MI. Four main gates have been developed to discharge the water. Double channeling methods of gates have been adopted to construct this dam. Lower wall is slightly sloppy and is developed with better greenery. Length of water reservoir of this dam is more than 12.66 KM. Geographical coordinates of this dam are 11°40′12″N 75°57′28″E.
Attraction
This dam has a very scenic and picturesque view as the Banasura hills are standing behind. Lush greenery and vast hills of Banasura create a deep impact on viewers. This point is also considered as starting point of trekking to Banasura Hills. Boating, water scooting facilities with a comfortable resort have been developed by the tourism department of Kerala. Some small islands are viewable in the monsoon season with a large background of Banasura hills. Kozhikhode is the nearest airport and also the nearest railway station to access this dam. By road it is well connected from Ooty, Kannur and Kozhikhode districts.
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