Nagarjuna Sagar Dam, Hyderabad

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a landmark on the Krishna River in Telangana, built by the Andhra Pradesh government between 1955 and 1967. It is one of the world's largest masonry dams, measuring approximately 1,550 meters long and creating a reservoir spanning 124 square kilometers. The dam plays a vital role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and regional development, transforming the landscape of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Its design combines modern engineering with aesthetic aesthetics, featuring large spillways, sluice gates, and a reservoir that blends seamlessly with the surrounding Nallamala Hills. Beyond its technical significance, the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam symbolizes India's post-independence infrastructure achievements and reflects the country's commitment to promoting regional development in the mid-20th century. The site also attracts visitors for its scenic views, engineering marvels, and the harmony between the dam and its natural environment, making it both a work site and a tourist attraction.

The Nagarjuna Sagar Dam showcases modern masonry and hydro-engineering architecture, demonstrating innovations in dam construction during the mid-20th century. Construction, under the guidance of the Andhra Pradesh government, lasted from 1955 to 1967. The structure combines traditional stone masonry with contemporary concrete techniques, demonstrating engineering innovation in flood control and water management. The dam has multiple functional components designed to generate large-scale irrigation and power.

The dam is 124 meters (407 ft) high from its deepest foundation and 1.6 kilometers (5,200 ft) long, with 26 flood gates that are 13 meters (42 ft) wide and 14 meters (45 ft) high. It is jointly operated by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• There is a museum near the dam that provides information about the construction of the dam, its impact on the area, and the history of the area.
• Nagarjuna Sagar also hosts the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which is home to various wildlife species including tigers, leopards and various types of deer.
• Tourists can enjoy a boat ride on the Nagarjuna Sagar Lake, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding hills and lush greenery.
• Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is not only an important infrastructure project for irrigation and power generation, but also an important tourist destination, offering scenic beauty, recreational activities and a glimpse of the engineering achievements and agricultural prosperity of the region.
• The layout of the canals was engineered to maximize irrigation efficiency across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting symbolic regional development planning.
• The dam incorporates inspection galleries within the masonry, allowing engineers to monitor structural health and water seepage, a pioneering design at the time.

📅 Last update: 2026-01-26 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.