Dams In India

Tamil Nadu Amaravathi Dam

Amaravathi dam is situated in the outskirts of Amaravathi Nagar on state highway No 17. IGWS (Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary) is the closest spot of this Dam. The construction of this dam was done on the steep slopes of the hills. Initially the motto of the construction of this dam was to control the flood, which usually hit the area and also to provide irrigation facility to the nearby areas. But later the facility to produce hydro electricity was also made at the banks of this dam and a plant is installed to this effect. This dam is also important as a nursery and natural habitat of Mugger Crocs. This is the first ever and biggest natural habitat of this type of crocodiles. These reptiles are also easily viewable at this spot. The energy production capacity of this dam is short and restricted upto 4 Mega Watts.

History

The construction of this dam was completed in 1957 and this is one of the oldest dams of the country. This dam was planned to provide the irrigation of surrounding areas. The general area around the dam was sloppy and hence no water conservation was possible for general public. Natural rain water was not sufficient as the geographical conditions of the area did not permit to retain the water. Then government took initiatives and this dam was constructed over Amaravathi River. Later the water storage capacity of the dam was minimized upto 25% due to the surroundings of the water reservoir. In the year 2004, a plant was also established on this dam with a capacity to produce 4 Mega Watts hydro electricity. The plant is functioning till date.

Technical portion

This dam has been constructed with a height of 27 mtrs from ground level and spread in the length of 453 mtrs. Geographical coordinates of this dam are 10°24.64′N 77°15.6′E . This plant has two units of electricity generation. Each of the small units is equipped with the capacity to generate 2 MW energy. Force of water has been made sufficient enough to rotate turbines at very speed for desired production of energy. Water discharge has been managed by 10 gates of 16.5ft length each.

Tourism

A fine park has been established near the dam for spending weekends. The natural view of the dam is scenic from this park. Charming and beautiful hills of Annamalai are at very close view from this dam. In this dam boating facility has also started from January 2011.

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