The Krishnagiri Dam is a dam that spans the Thenpennai River by the village of Dhuduganahalli, located in the Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India. The Krishnagiri Dam is also known as Krishnagiri ReservoirProject (KRP) Dam. The KRP Dam is located 7 km (4.3 mi) from Krishnagiri, between Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri which irrigates thousands of acres of land around Krishnagiri.[1] The Dam has been operational from 10 November 1957, inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu K. Kamaraj.[2]
The approved cost of the project is ₹20.2 million. The project was completed within ₹15.9 million (Actual cost). The project is covered under CADA (Command Area Development Authority) Scheme.[2]
Dimensions
The KRP dam is 990.59 m long and Max Height of the dam is 29.26 meters above Foundation. Total Volume content of Dam is 509 thousand cubic meters. The Spillway is ogee crest type and the crest level is 483.11 meters. The capacity of the Spillway is 4061 cu. meters with a designed flood capacity of 4233.33 Cu. meters. There are eight spillway gates of sixe 12.19 x 6.10 meters.[4]
The water level is at its maximum of 484.63 metres, for which the Full Reservoir Level is 483.11 metres. The catchment area for the Krishnagiri Reservoir is 5428.43Sq. km. The initial gross storage capacity of the dam was 68.2 MCM.[5] However due heavy sedimentation, the dam's capacity as of 2006 was 47.16 MCM (million cubic meters) only[6]
Tourist attraction
KRP Dam Park
The KRP Dam Park near the KRP Dam is developed and maintained by Tamil Nadu Public Works Department. This is a famous tourist spot. This dam is flooded with tourists during the weekends.[1]
The entry ticket for a person is ₹5. There is two wheeler and four wheeler parking facility available near the park. There are monkeys around the park. The park has children's play area, fountains, lawn and jogger footpath. The KRP Dam and the park is suitable to visit throughout the year. The park is open all days of the week.[citation needed]
Irrigation and agriculture
The Krishnagiri Medium Irrigation Project is a medium major medium irrigation project in Tamil Nadu. Farmers in Periyamuthur, Sundekuppam, Thimmapuram, Souteaalli, Thalialli, Kalvealli, Kundalapatti, Mittaalli, Erraalli, Penneswaramadam, Kaveripattinam, Balekuli, Marichettihalli, Nagojanaalli, Janapparuralli and Paiyur would benefit.[7] The Culturable Command Area (CCA) as well as Ultimate Irrigation Potential of the Krishnagiri Medium Irrigation Project is 3.65 Th ha.[2]
^Central Water Commission, New Delhi, Compendium of sedimentation of Reservoirs in India (2020 Ed), List of Reservoirs which have lost 25% of their gross storage, sl.no.22
^Central Water Commission, New Delhi, National Register of large dams(2019 Ed), PIC no TN12MH0016
