Tungabhadra Dam
Pampa Sagar, or better known as Tungabhadra Dam, is constructed on the Tungabhadra river in Munirabad in the Koppal district of Karnataka. The main functions of the dam are flood control, producing hydroelectricity, and serving irrigation for the surrounding areas. The Tungabhadra project was started as a joint venture of the Madras Presidency and the Hyderabad State in 1949 and later became a joint project of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh during its completion in 1953.
The main architect and brainchild behind the Tungabhadra dam architecture was an engineer from Madras, Dr. Thirumala Iyengar. The river Tungabhadra derives its names from two of its main tributaries, namely Tunga and Bhadra, which rise from the Western Ghats of India.
The Dam creates a huge water reservoir on the river with a gross capacity of 101 tmc ft at full reservoir level. The water spread over an area of 378 square kilometers. The left canals of the dam serve irrigation in Karnataka only whereas the right canals serve parts of Karnataka and areas in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh.
The canal drops are installed with Hydropower units and the dam has an installed capacity of about 127 MW. The dam is visited by millions of tourists every year who are looking for places to see near Hampi. The dam is situated close to the Hospete town and has many places to visit. A lot of hotels near the Tungabhadra dam have cropped up considering the number of tourists visiting this area. The best time to visit soon is in August soon after the monsoons when the dam is full and is in its full glory. A beautiful garden is built over the dam which is comprised of musical fountains and several other attractions for visitors of all ages.
How to Get There:
The place is pretty commercialized and has several ways of getting there. The dam can be reached by road from Hospete, Bengaluru, Hubli, Bellary, etc. by buses run by the state government. The nearest railway station is Hospete which is about 6 kms and the nearest airport is the Jindal Vijaynagar Airport (Bellary Airport) which is about 40 kms from the dam.
Nearby Places:
- Hampi, The UNESCO Certified World Heritage Site
- Hospete
- Tungabhadra Dam, Zoo, & Park
- Huligemma Devi Temple
What is the Tungabhadra Dam?
The Tungabhadra Dam is a major multipurpose dam located on the Tungabhadra River, which is a tributary of the Krishna River. It is situated near Hospet in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India. The dam is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
When was the Tungabhadra Dam built?
The construction of the Tungabhadra Dam began in 1949 and was completed in 1953. It was inaugurated in 1953 and has since been an important infrastructure project for the region.
What is the purpose of the Tungabhadra Dam?
The dam serves several purposes, including:
- Irrigation: It provides water for irrigation to a large area in the surrounding regions, which is crucial for agriculture.
- Hydroelectric Power Generation: The dam has hydroelectric power stations that generate electricity.
- Flood Control: It helps in controlling floods by regulating the flow of the Tungabhadra River.
- Water Supply: It supplies water for domestic and industrial use in the region.
What are the main features of the Tungabhadra Dam?
- Height: Approximately 49 meters (161 feet).
- Length: About 823 meters (2,700 feet).
- Reservoir Capacity: The dam creates a reservoir that can store up to 5.6 billion cubic meters of water.
Is the Tungabhadra Dam open to visitors?
Yes, the Tungabhadra Dam is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can view the dam from designated viewpoints. There are also gardens and parks around the dam area that are open to the public.
What is the best time to visit the Tungabhadra Dam?
The best time to visit the Tungabhadra Dam is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. During the monsoon season (June to September), the dam's reservoir is full, and the surroundings are lush and green.
How can one reach the Tungabhadra Dam?
The dam is accessible from the town of Hospet, which is well-connected by road and rail. Hospet is approximately 335 kilometers from Bangalore. The nearest airport is in Hubli, about 160 kilometers away.
Are there any restrictions for visitors?
While there are generally no strict restrictions for visitors, it is advisable to follow any guidelines provided by the authorities. Photography and entry into certain restricted areas may be regulated for security and safety reasons.
What are some nearby attractions?
- Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient ruins and historical significance, located about 12 kilometers from the dam.
- Virupaksha Temple: A major temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Hampi.
- Hospet: The town itself has various temples and local attractions.
Who manages the Tungabhadra Dam?
The Tungabhadra Dam is managed by the Tungabhadra Board, a joint board of the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, responsible for the regulation and maintenance of the dam and its reservoir.
