Dams In India

Maharashtra Yeldari Dam

Yeldari is the earthfill dam which is constructed on Purna River in Parbhani district of Maharashtra.  This dam is multipurpose as irrigation facilities and hydro electricity is also being produced from here.  Before 1968, the area surrounding the Purna River was being irrigated but the organized manner of irrigation was not available.  People locally made various minors and channels from where they used the water of this river. Consolidated production of food grains was not in the ration of fertile land available in that region.  To develop and enhance the agriculture in the area, a dam was planned to construct so that the conditions may upgrade.  Responsibility of planning was given to Maharashtra Electricity Board but the project could not be planned due to some reasons.  Later CCW took the responsibility to design and construct the dam.  Finally the dam completed in 1968.

History

The construction work of this dam was started in 1961.  Yeldari area was the better point where the dam could be better as the turning point of River Purna has required force and slope for establishing a power generation plant.  People of that area were happy as a good gift was being handed over to them but the joy proved very shorter as China attacked over India in 1962 and the work stopped due to business.  Later work started and after two years Indo Pak war also hampered the work flow of this dam.  Hurdling all the barriers, finally this dam was completed in 1968.  This dam was aimed for irrigation and production of hydro electricity.  Mr. Yashwantrao Chavan, CM of the state at that period, took personal interest and the construction done under his personal supervision.

Technical Portion

Height of this dam is 51.2m.  This height is measured from the base of foundation.   A thick wall of 22.7’, made with concrete and thick iron bars, is capable enough to take the water load of 224,152.89 CU MI.  Length of this dam is 4,232 mtrs. A water reservoir is built to store the huge water for further use has the capacity to hold 194,250 CU MI water and spread in a surface area of 101,540 SQKM.  Power plant, which is located at the bank of this dam, has the capacity to produce 750 Mega Watts hydro electricity.  3 big units of 250 MW capacities have been installed at this power plant.

Attraction

This dam has some attractive places around. An old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is also located at 27 kilometers from this place.  Main deity of this temple is Lord Vishnu.  It is evident from history that this temple was constructed by the Kings of Vijayanagar Empire in 16th century. A picnic spot which is well surrounded by lush and green forestry is also located there. Connectivity to this place is very good.   Boating facility is also available at this spot.

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