Image Source: Durga Prasad M
Introduction
The Kandaleru Dam, also known as the Kandaleru Reservoir Project, is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in Andhra Pradesh. Built across the Kandaleru River, a tributary of the Pennar River, it is located in Rapur Mandal of Tirupati district (formerly in Nellore district).
This massive reservoir plays a key role in irrigation, drinking water supply, and as part of the famous Telugu Ganga Project, which supplies drinking water to Chennai city in Tamil Nadu.
History and Purpose
The dam was constructed in the late 20th century under the Telugu Ganga Project, an ambitious interstate water-sharing scheme between Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
The project’s primary purpose was to irrigate farmlands in Rayalaseema and Nellore regions while ensuring drinking water supply to Chennai. The Kandaleru Reservoir thus became a crucial balancing and storage structure in this multi-state initiative.
Structure and Capacity
Type of Dam: Earth dam with spillways.
Length: One of the longest earthen dams in Asia, stretching over 11 km.
Height: Approximately 50 meters.
Storage Capacity: Can store around 72 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water.
Canal System: The reservoir is linked to the Somasila Reservoir and connected through extensive canals forming part of the Telugu Ganga Project network.
Irrigation and Water Supply
The Kandaleru Dam irrigates large areas of farmland in Nellore and Tirupati districts, ensuring year-round water availability for crops such as paddy, sugarcane, groundnut, sunflower, and pulses.
More importantly, the reservoir plays a central role in transporting Krishna River water via the Telugu Ganga Canal to Chennai, supplying nearly 15 TMC annually to meet the city’s drinking water needs.
Scenic Value and Tourism
Beyond its engineering and irrigation significance, the Kandaleru Reservoir is surrounded by lush greenery, hills, and serene landscapes, making it a scenic spot.
The vast stretch of backwaters and the scale of the dam attract visitors from nearby towns. Although not a mainstream tourist destination, it is visited by locals, nature lovers, and engineering enthusiasts who admire the grandeur of the project.
Connectivity
By Road: Kandaleru Dam is located about 60 km from Nellore city and is accessible via Rapur town. Regular APSRTC buses and private vehicles connect it to nearby villages and towns.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Nellore Railway Station (on the Chennai–Howrah main line), from where road connectivity is available.
By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati International Airport (around 100 km), while Chennai Airport (around 180 km) is another major option.