Thenmala Dam

The Thenmala dam is the second largest irrigation project in Kerala, India. It impounds the longest reservoir in the state and water from the reservoir is also used for power generation.

Thenmala Dam
Thenmala Dam
Location of Thenmala Dam in India
Thenmala Dam (Kerala)
Thenmala Dam (Tamil Nadu)
Official nameKallada dam
CountryIndia
LocationThenmala, Kollam, Kerala
Coordinates8°57′14″N 77°4′11″E
PurposeIrrigation
StatusOperational
Opening date1986
Dam and spillways
Height85.35m
Length335m
Spillways3
Spillway typeOgee with radial gate auxiliiary- Labyrinth
Reservoir
Total capacity524,000,000 m3 (424,814 acre⋅ft)
Maximum Water Level
115.82 metres, 380.0 ft
Active capacity507,000,000 m3 (411,032 acre⋅ft)
Catchment area549 km2 (212 sq mi)
Surface area23 km2 (9 sq mi)

The dam was started in 1961 under the Kallada Irrigation and Tree Crop development project with an original cost of Rs. 13.28 crores. The revised estimate of Rs. 728 crores at the 1999 schedule of rates made the cost escalation to be reported at 5,356 per cent. The ayacut[1] targeted was 61630 hectares (net) and 92800 hectares (gross).[2] Though the project was targeted for completion, and priority in allocation was given during Ninth Plan, it could not be completed and commissioned fully.[3]

It is now a centre of attraction at Thenmala and an ecotourism destination, with boating available on the reservoir, which is bordered on both sides by the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.[4] This place has facilities like winding pathways, sway bridge, amphitheatre and a musical fountain. Visitors can also visit the traditional tree houses of the tribal in this area. There are also boating facilities in the reservoir. There is a rope bridge along with many trekking, mountaineering and biking opportunities.[5]

See also
Reservoir of Thenmala Dam

References
  1. ayacut: The area served by an irrigation project such as a canal, dam or a tank.
  2. "Kerala Irrigation Department". Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  3. "www.kollam.nic.in". Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  4. "Thenmala - India's first planned Eco-Tourism, Kollam - Kerala Tourism". Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  5. tripuntold - "Thenmala Dam", Retrieved on 09 July 2020.


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