Banasura Sagar Dam
| Banasura Sagar Dam | |
|---|---|
 Banasura Sagar Panorama View | |
| Location | Wayanad, Kerala, India |
| Coordinates | 11°40′12″N 75°57′28″E / 11.67000°N 75.95778°E |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Impounds | Tributary of the Kabini River |
Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979.[1] The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project and satisfy the demand for irrigation and drinking water in a region known to have water shortages in seasonal dry periods.
In the dam's reservoir there is a set of islands that were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding areas.[2] The islands with the Banasura hills are in the background view.[3] It is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia. The dam is made up of massive stacks of stones and boulders.[4]
Location
The Banasura Sagar Dam is located 21 km from Kalpetta, in Wayanad District of Kerala in the Western Ghats. It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia[4] and a starting point for hikes into the surrounding mountains.[5] It is an important tourist attraction.[6] Banasura Sagar Dam is at the foot of the Banasura Hill.
Etymology
The Banasura Sagar Dam is named after Banasura, the son of Mahabali who as per local Hindu mythological belief was a very respected king of Kerala.
Tourism
The dam has become a popular tourist destination. Many people visit the place to go trekking at the Banasura Hill & speed boating at Banasura Sagar Dam. The Banasura Hill Resort, located about 20 km from the dam was rated as Asia's largest Earthen Resort by BBC. Speed & pedal boats are available & are major hits with tourists. Speed boat ride, in particular, is an exhilarating experience & not to be missed.
Gallery
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The view of reservoir from nearby mountains -
The dam structure -
Male orange minivet at Banasura Dam -
A view from Banasura Dam -
Boating facility
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_at_Banasura_Dam.JPG)
Current Scenario
The actual missions for this dam is to provide water for Kakkayam dam[7] which was situated in Kozhikode district to produce electricity and also irrigation in Wayanad, both missions were not accomplished and currently it's been part of the Hydel project. It has India's first Solar Atop Dam.[8]
See also
Notes
- ^ "Government of Kerala Tenth Five Year Plan 2002-07 Report" (PDF). Government of Kerala. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2005. Retrieved 18 October 2006.
- ^ "Wayanad outdoor trails". wayanad.org. Archived from the original on 23 October 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
- ^ "Wayanad". Fast Finder Kerala. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
- ^ a b "Banasura Sagar Dam". Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ^ "Statistical Data". Kerala Government. Archived from the original on 28 May 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
- ^ "Places of Tourist Importance". Wayanad Government. Archived from the original on 5 May 2006. Retrieved 14 October 2006.
- ^ "Kakkayam Dam Reservoir - Wikimapia". wikimapia.org. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
- ^ http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/300416/kerala-solar-panel-atop-dam-a-reality.html?ref=yfp
External links
- Government of Kerala Tenth Five Year Plan 2002-07 Report of the Working Group on 'Water Resources & Environment - Approach, Policies and Reforms' (PDF)
- Official Web Site of Wayanad District
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