Srisailam Dam

Srisailam Dam officially known as Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy Srisailam Project is the second largest capacity for hydro electricity among India’s working hydro stations. Srisailam dam was constructed across the Krishna river, third longest river in India which originates in Mahabaleswar of Western Ghat in Maharashtra. It flows through Karnataka, Telengana and Andhra Pradesh and finally empties into Bay of Bengal. Srisailam project is situated 14 kilometers away from Srisailam town, a famous temple town. The project is constructed in a deep gorge in Nallamala hills between Nagarkurnool district of Telengana and Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, at a height of 300 metre from sea level. The dam has a height of 145 meter and has an estimated capacity of 178.74 tmcft.

Andhra Pradesh and Telengana dispute

Srisailam project was constructed across the Krishna river before the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Andhra Pradesh and Telengana states. After the bifurcation many disputes arose regarding sharing of Krishna river and Srisailam project along with other projects. 1400 km long Krishna river make border between Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. Many hydro electric projects like Srisailam project, Pulichintala dam and Magarjuna Sagar are situated across the river. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telengana use different sides of one common reservoir of Srisailam for multi purpose projects. In 1976, three states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and undivided Andhra Pradesh reached an agreement for water sharing. It was estimated that there are 2060 thousand million cubic feet of Krishna river water. 800 tmc ft was allocated to Andhra Pradesh and 560 tmc ft and 700 tmc ft was allocated to Maharashtra and Karnataka respectively. After the bifurcation of state, 811 tmc ft was shared by both states at a share of 66:34 ratio. But Telengana has been continuously demanding an equal 50:50 share of Krishna water resources to be shared by both states. Each states have different projects constructed on north and south part of same reservoir. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Reddy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and protested against Telangana’s use of Srisailam reservoir water for power generation. Andhra Pradesh criticized Telengana for generating power without proper approval from Krishna River Management Board (KRMB).Both states are opposing each other for any new projects being set up across the Krishna river.

Srisailam, a tourism hotspot

Srisailam reservoir and adjacent areas has a booming tourism industry which attracts thousands tourists from inside and outside the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana. Srisailam reservoir is located on Nallamala hills of Eastern Ghat mountain which runs parallely Coromondal coast of east India. Nallamala and Srisailam reservoir has a captivating and picturesque landscape. It provides many options for nature enthusiasts. There is a breathtaking and enchanting view of vast Krishna river. Massive streams of water is discharging in a rapid and plentiful when crest gates of the dam are opened.