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 Kerala Show map of Kerala Thenmala Dam (India) Show map of India
Official name	Kallada dam
Country	India
Location	Thenmala, Kollam, Kerala
Coordinates	8°57′14″N 77°4′11″E
Purpose	Irrigation
Status	Operational
Opening date	1986
Dam and spillways
Height	85.35m
Length	335m
Spillways	3
Spillway type	Ogee with radial gate auxiliiary- Labyrinth
Reservoir
Total capacity	524,000,000 m3 (424,814 acre⋅ft) Maximum Water Level 115.82 metres, 380.0 ft
Active capacity	507,000,000 m3 (411,032 acre⋅ft)
Catchment area	549 km2 (212 sq mi)
Surface area	23 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

• List of dams and reservoirs in India

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Thenmala Dam.

• Thenmala.info
• Thenmala HEP Short film by KSEB