Image Source: Sakshi TV
About Pulichintala Project
The Pulichintala Project, also known as the K.L. Rao Sagar Project, is a major multipurpose irrigation and hydroelectric project constructed across the Krishna River in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.
Named after Dr. K.L. Rao, a renowned engineer and irrigation expert from Andhra Pradesh, this dam is an essential part of the Krishna Delta irrigation system, benefiting agriculture, power generation, and flood control.
History and Construction
The Pulichintala Project was conceived as a balancing reservoir for the Krishna River system. Its construction began in the early 2000s with the purpose of storing excess water and regulating its release to stabilize irrigation in Krishna and Guntur districts. The project was inaugurated in 2014 and has since become a crucial water management system for the state.
Structure and Capacity
Type of Dam: Concrete gravity dam.
River: Built across the Krishna River between Pulichintala village (Guntur district) and Nalgonda district (Telangana).
Storage Capacity: Designed to store around 45.77 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water.
Length & Height: The dam stretches nearly 2.9 km with a height of 42 meters.
Power Generation: Houses a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 120 MW, supplying renewable energy to the grid.
Irrigation Benefits
The Pulichintala Dam plays a key role in ensuring water supply for the Krishna Delta System, stabilizing irrigation for nearly 13 lakh acres of farmland in Krishna, Guntur, West Godavari, and Prakasam districts.
Farmers cultivating paddy, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, and chillies depend heavily on this water source. The dam also supports aquaculture and sustains the livelihoods of riverine communities.
Flood Control and Water Regulation
Being a balancing reservoir, the Pulichintala Project regulates heavy monsoon flows of the Krishna River and reduces the risk of floods in downstream regions, especially near Prakasam Barrage at Vijayawada. This controlled release of water ensures safety while maintaining year-round irrigation requirements.
Tourism and Scenic Value
Apart from its engineering importance, the dam site attracts visitors for its picturesque views of the Krishna River, especially during the monsoon season when the gates are opened.
.The surrounding lush green fields, rocky riverbanks, and backwaters add to its scenic charm. Local travelers from Vijayawada, Guntur, and Nalgonda often visit Pulichintala for day trips and photography.
Connectivity
By Road: The project is about 50 km from Guntur and 80 km from Vijayawada, connected by well-maintained roads.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sattenapalli (35 km), while Vijayawada Junction, a major railway hub, is also close by.
By Air: The nearest airport is Vijayawada International Airport (90 km), which connects to major Indian cities.