CHITRADURGA: Although it has always had its set of loyal admirers among engineers, the Vani Vilas Sagar Dam in Hiriyur, Chitradurga has, however, not been as successful in attracting legions of tourists as other reservoirs in the state, such as the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) or the Tungabhadra dams.
But this situation is likely to change, with the water level at the Vani Vilas Sagar Dam not only rising to the brim, but overflowing – the first such occurrence in nearly nine decades. Incidentally, the duration between the last recorded instance of the dam overflowing and Friday, when the incident was reported, is exactly 89 years – it was on September 2, 1933 that overflowing was last reported.
Consequently, this has resulted in the dam turning into a popular tourist attraction, with scores of people from Chitradurga, and neighbouring districts, flocking to the site. Constructed at the behest of then Mysuru maharaja, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the dam was completed in 1907.
The reason that rising waters from the dam flood the surrounding area is because the reservoir was built such that there are no crest gates, pointed out Vani Vilas Sagar Dam executive engineer Chandramouli R. “The waters overflow at a point that is 1.6km downstream from the dam, at the wate weir,” Chandramouli told TOI.
Built between two hillocks, the dam, built across the River Vedavathi, is set against a verdant backdrop, and this year, heavy showers have helped bring out the rich natural beauty of the surroundings in all its abundant splendour.
Elaborating further on the unique features of the reservoir, Chandramouli said, “The KK Anicut was built roughly 11km downstream of the dam. This structure collects water, which is subsequently supplied for irrigation through right, and left bank canals. The structure was built using lime mortar, and its enduring strength is a testament to the abilities of those who were involved in its construction.”
Water from the dam feeds the residents of Chitradurga town, and 18 villages in Challakere, and 42 villages in Hiriyur taluks, he added. “The Vedavathi River subsequently flows into the Byrana Tippa in Ananthapur district in Andhra Pradesh,” Chandramouli added.
Given the dam’s proximity to the Mari Kanive temple, the locals refer to the structure as ‘Mari Kanive Dam’. The dam is thronged by devotees during the annual fair at the temple, celebrated with much pomp, which is as popular for its cultural programmes as it is for the various religious rituals.
GS Ujjinappa, a local progressive farmer, said that the peasants in the area irrigated by the waters from the Vani Vilas Sagar Dam had reaped a bounteous harvest this year. “Most of them cultivate coconut and areca, besides pomegranate, which is grown extensively in this region. Not only has the heavy rain ensured that the harvest is good this year, but they have also not been blighted by pests. Several tube wells that had dried up have now filled up, largely because the depleted groundwater aquifers have been replenished,” said Ujjinappa.
But this situation is likely to change, with the water level at the Vani Vilas Sagar Dam not only rising to the brim, but overflowing – the first such occurrence in nearly nine decades. Incidentally, the duration between the last recorded instance of the dam overflowing and Friday, when the incident was reported, is exactly 89 years – it was on September 2, 1933 that overflowing was last reported.
Consequently, this has resulted in the dam turning into a popular tourist attraction, with scores of people from Chitradurga, and neighbouring districts, flocking to the site. Constructed at the behest of then Mysuru maharaja, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the dam was completed in 1907.
The reason that rising waters from the dam flood the surrounding area is because the reservoir was built such that there are no crest gates, pointed out Vani Vilas Sagar Dam executive engineer Chandramouli R. “The waters overflow at a point that is 1.6km downstream from the dam, at the wate weir,” Chandramouli told TOI.
Built between two hillocks, the dam, built across the River Vedavathi, is set against a verdant backdrop, and this year, heavy showers have helped bring out the rich natural beauty of the surroundings in all its abundant splendour.
Elaborating further on the unique features of the reservoir, Chandramouli said, “The KK Anicut was built roughly 11km downstream of the dam. This structure collects water, which is subsequently supplied for irrigation through right, and left bank canals. The structure was built using lime mortar, and its enduring strength is a testament to the abilities of those who were involved in its construction.”
Water from the dam feeds the residents of Chitradurga town, and 18 villages in Challakere, and 42 villages in Hiriyur taluks, he added. “The Vedavathi River subsequently flows into the Byrana Tippa in Ananthapur district in Andhra Pradesh,” Chandramouli added.
Given the dam’s proximity to the Mari Kanive temple, the locals refer to the structure as ‘Mari Kanive Dam’. The dam is thronged by devotees during the annual fair at the temple, celebrated with much pomp, which is as popular for its cultural programmes as it is for the various religious rituals.
GS Ujjinappa, a local progressive farmer, said that the peasants in the area irrigated by the waters from the Vani Vilas Sagar Dam had reaped a bounteous harvest this year. “Most of them cultivate coconut and areca, besides pomegranate, which is grown extensively in this region. Not only has the heavy rain ensured that the harvest is good this year, but they have also not been blighted by pests. Several tube wells that had dried up have now filled up, largely because the depleted groundwater aquifers have been replenished,” said Ujjinappa.