Kandaleru Dam & Reservior, Kandaleru

The Kandaleru Dam is an important irrigation project located on the Kandaleru River in Rapur Mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. This project is a key component of the Telugu Ganga project, which facilitates the supply of drinking water to Chennai city from the Srisailam Reservoir on the Krishna River. The Kandaleru Reservoir is primarily fed by a link canal from the Somasila Dam.

In addition to its role in providing drinking water, the Telugu Ganga project supports irrigation efforts in the region. The dam is situated about 57 kilometers from the district headquarters of Nellore, making it an essential part of the local irrigation infrastructure and water supply system.

The Kandaleru Dam and its associated reservoir are important infrastructure projects in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Located on the Kandaleru River, a tributary of the Penna River, the dam and reservoir play a significant role in irrigation, water supply, and flood control in the region.

Key Details about Kandaleru Dam and Reservoir:

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Kandaleru Dam and reservoir is to provide irrigation water for the agricultural fields in the surrounding areas, particularly for crops like paddy, groundnut, and cotton. It also plays a vital role in controlling the flow of the Kandaleru River, preventing flooding during the monsoon season, and facilitating a steady water supply during dry periods.

Construction:

The Kandaleru Dam was built to harness the water of the Kandaleru River. It was constructed as part of larger irrigation initiatives in the region. The dam’s design includes features to store water efficiently, regulate water flow, and ensure controlled releases to the agricultural fields through a network of canals. The dam’s reservoir stores a large volume of water, which is crucial for irrigating vast tracts of land in the surrounding districts.

Size and Capacity:

The Kandaleru Reservoir is one of the major reservoirs in the region, with significant storage capacity. It has the ability to store millions of cubic meters of water, making it an important resource for irrigation purposes. The dam helps maintain a balance in the water supply, especially during the summer months when water demand is high.

Irrigation Network:

The Kandaleru Dam’s reservoir is connected to an extensive irrigation network that supplies water to large agricultural areas, including the Chittoor, Nellore, and parts of the Prakasam districts. The water distribution system includes canals, distributaries, and sluices to ensure water reaches farmlands effectively and efficiently.

Flood Control:

In addition to providing irrigation, the Kandaleru Dam also functions as a flood control mechanism. During the monsoon season, when the river experiences heavy rainfall, the dam helps regulate the flow of water by storing excess water in the reservoir. This reduces the chances of downstream flooding and ensures that water resources are optimally managed.

Water Supply:

Apart from irrigation, the dam and reservoir also provide water for drinking and industrial purposes in nearby towns and cities. This makes the Kandaleru Dam a critical source of water for both agricultural and urban needs.

Environmental Impact:

The dam has had a positive impact on local agriculture by ensuring a consistent water supply, leading to increased crop yields. However, like many large-scale water projects, it has also led to changes in local ecosystems, including the displacement of certain wildlife and the alteration of natural watercourses.

Recent Developments:

Ongoing maintenance and periodic upgrades ensure that the Kandaleru Dam and reservoir continue to function effectively. Modernization efforts are focused on improving the efficiency of water distribution and increasing the storage capacity to meet growing water demands.

Conclusion:

The Kandaleru Dam and Reservoir are vital to the agriculture-based economy of the Nellore, Chittoor, and surrounding areas. The infrastructure not only helps with irrigation but also aids in flood control and water supply for local communities. Its role in managing the water resources of the Kandaleru River has made it an essential part of the region’s development and agricultural success.