Tungabhadra Dam

Tungabhadra Dam UPSC

The Tungabhadra Dam, also known as Pampa Sagar, is a significant multipurpose dam constructed on the Tungabhadra River. Located near Hospet in the Ballari district of Karnataka, this historic and architecturally remarkable dam serves as a vital resource for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control, benefitting large swathes of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Historical Background

The concept of the Tungabhadra Dam dates back to 1860, when Sir Arthur Cotton envisioned it as a solution to enhance irrigation, generate electricity, and mitigate floods in the region. The construction began in 1949 as a joint project between the Kingdom of Hyderabad and the Madras Presidency. Following Indian independence, it became a collaborative effort between the governments of Mysore and Hyderabad.

The dam was completed in 1953 under the supervision of Dr. Thirumalai Iyengar, with its chief architects being Vepa Krishnamurthy and Pallimalli Papaiah from Hyderabad, and Tirumala Iyengar from Madras. The project marked a turning point in regional development, offering a sustainable solution to water management in a semi-arid zone.

Design and Construction

The Tungabhadra Dam stands out as an engineering marvel due to its unique construction material and design:

1. Construction Material:

It is India’s largest stone masonry dam and one of the two non-cement dams in the country, the other being the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala. Built using surki mortar, a mix of mud and limestone, the dam exemplifies the durability and ingenuity of traditional construction techniques.

2. Dimensions:

The dam stands 49.5 meters tall and includes 33 crest gates for water regulation.

3. Storage Capacity:

The dam’s reservoir has a live storage capacity of 101 TMC (Thousand Million Cubic feet) and a maximum capacity of 133 TMCFT.

4. Catchment Area:

Its catchment area spans 28,000 square kilometers, collecting water from a vast geographical expanse.

5. Water Release Capacity:

It can release up to 6.5 lakh cusecs of water, with a historical maximum release of 3.6 lakh cusecs recorded in December 1992.

This meticulous design ensures both the resilience and functionality of the dam, catering to the diverse needs of the region.

Significance and Contributions

The Tungabhadra Dam has had a transformative impact on the socio-economic development of the regions it serves. Its multipurpose utility extends across various domains:

1. Irrigation:

The dam provides irrigation to six drought-prone districts in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: Bellary, Koppal, Raichur, Anantapur, Cuddapah, and Kurnool. By sustaining agriculture in these areas, it has significantly boosted crop productivity and ensured food security.

2. Hydroelectric Power Generation:

The dam generates electricity through its two powerhouses:

i. TB Dam Powerhouse: Equipped with four units of 9 MW each.

ii. Hampi Powerhouse: Also containing four units of 9 MW, it utilizes the tail race waters from the dam’s primary powerhouse. This capacity helps meet the energy demands of the region, fostering industrial and domestic electricity usage.

3. Flood Control:

The Tungabhadra Dam plays a crucial role in preventing floods, protecting nearby towns and villages from seasonal inundation. Its capacity to regulate the river’s flow during monsoon seasons minimizes the risks associated with excessive rainfall.