Context
The Andhra Pradesh government recently stopped the release of Krishna water to Chennai from the Kandaleru Reservoir due to low storage levels. The development highlights the reservoir’s role in the Telugu Ganga Project and Chennai’s drinking-water supply.
About Kandaleru Dam
- Location: Near Chellatur, Rapur Mandal, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
- River: Built across the Kandaleru River, part of the Pennar river system.
- Type & Capacity: An earthen dam with a length of about 75 km and gross storage capacity of around 1,926 million cubic metres (68 TMC).
- Completion: Completed in 1997.
- Water Sources: Receives Pennar floodwaters and Krishna water through the Somasila–Kandaleru Flood Flow Canal, which links it with the Somasila Reservoir.
Role in Telugu Ganga Project
- Telugu Ganga Project: An inter-State water project involving Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, aimed at supplying Krishna water to Chennai and supporting irrigation in Andhra Pradesh.
- Water Transfer: Krishna water from Srisailam Reservoir is conveyed through canals and Somasila Reservoir to Kandaleru Reservoir. From Kandaleru, it flows through the Satya Sai Ganga Canal to Poondi Reservoir, Tamil Nadu, for Chennai’s drinking-water supply.
- Allocation: The project provides 15 TMC of Krishna water for Chennai’s drinking-water needs and also supports irrigation in Nellore and Tirupati districts.
FAQs
Q1. Where is Kandaleru Dam located?
Ans: It is located near Chellatur in Rapur Mandal, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
Q2. Across which river is Kandaleru Dam constructed?
Ans: It is constructed across the Kandaleru River, which belongs to the Pennar river system.
Q3. Which major inter-State project is associated with Kandaleru Reservoir?
Ans: The reservoir is an important component of the Telugu Ganga Project, which supplies Krishna water for Chennai’s drinking-water needs.
