A visit to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

DATE: 13-02-09 submitted by:

DIWAS POUDEL

Y7CE263

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

KONERU LAKSHMAIAH COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

(Autonomous)
Greenfields, Vaddeswaram ,

Guntur Dt. AP, India-522502

 Nagarjuna Sagar Dam
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is certainly the pride of India, since it is the tallest masonry dam in
the world. This colossal dam supplies water for irrigation purposes to the districts like
Nalgonda, Prakasam, Khammam and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh. Named after the Buddhist
monk 'Nagarjuna', the dam actually separates the Guntur and Nalgonda districts. Owing to its
confounding height of 124 meters, Nagarjuna sagar Dam can store up to 11, 472 million cubic
meters in its reservoir.

Nagarjuna sagar dam

Apart from these achievements, the dam also has been known for being one of the earliest
irrigation and hydro-electric projects in India. Built across the Krishna River, it boasts of one of
the largest networks of canal systems in the world. Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is located at a distance
of 160 km from Guntur and 150 km from Hyderabad. Considering the tourism prospects, a lake
has been developed just behind the dam, which is acclaimed to be the third largest man-made
lake in the world. Four km away from the dam, is the Viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the
amazing landscape, is simply a feast to the eyes.

It is also one of the earliest hydro-electric projects of India, the Nagarjuna sagar Dam is a
symbol of modern India's architectural and technological triumphs over nature.

There is also the famous Buddhist relics and an exquisite museum, located just a 20-minute
ride away by a motorboat across the river Krishna. The dam offers some eye pleasing views
during attracting innumerable tourists to take a trip to the dams.

The relics of Buddhist civilisation dating back to the 3rd Century A.D were excavated here.

The excavated remains of the Buddhist civilization have been reconstructed and are carefully
preserved at Nagarjuna konda, a unique Island museum, situated in the midst of the man-made
Nagarjuna sagar lake.
Constructed In the shape of a Buddhist Vihara, the museum houses a stupendous collection of
relics of Buddhist art and culture. Famous relics include a small tooth and an ear-ring believed to
be of the Buddha. The main stupa of Nagarjunakonda called Mahachaitya is believed to contain
the sacred relics of the Buddha. A partly ruined monolithic statue of the Buddha, that's at once a
striking-image of peace and poise, is the main attraction at the museum.
The monasteries and chaityas were reconstructed on top of a hill called Nagarjunakonda (konda
is the Telugu word for hill), which rises from the middle of the lake. The island takes its name
from the Buddhist monk, Nagarjuna, who lived around the turn of the 2nd century AD and was
the exponent of the philosophy of sunyata (void). Statues, friezes, coins and jewelery found at
the site are housed in a museum on the island and give a fascinating insight into the daily lives of
this ancient Buddhist centre. Earlier it used to be known as Vijayapur. The site was discovered in
1926. Subsequent excavations, particularly in the '50s and '60s, have unearthed the remains of
stupas, viharas, chaityas and mandapams.

Ethipothala Waterfalls

Ethipothala is a mountain stream cascading down the hills from a height of 21.3 meters into a
lagoon. This waterfall is a combination of three streams namely Chandravanka Vagu, Nakkala
Vagu & Tummala Vagu.

Ethipothala waterfalls

The dazzling lagoon formed by the falls has a crocodile-breeding centre. After flowing
for 3 km, this stream joins with the river Krishna. Ranganadha and Dattatreya temples are found
near the waterfalls. People believe that the caves near the waterfalls go to Srisailam.

Conclusion

Seeing such a large man made structure and the panoramic view around the dam, I felt very
much relished and sootheness. This industrial visit gave us a look to the outer world and what we
are capable of doing as a civil engineer. This has given a way to see my potentials.