Prakasam Barrage: All 70 Gates Opened After Cyclone Murasu Triggers Heavy Rain

Prakasam Barrage Latest News

All 70 gates of the Prakasam Barrage were opened recently after heavy rain from Cyclone Murasu in the Krishna basin.

About Prakasam Barrage

• It is a modern regulator and road bridge located at the southern entrance of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
• It is built across the Krishna River.

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Prakasam Barrage Construction 

• It was constructed between 1954 and 1957 and inaugurated on December 24, 1957. 
• It replaced the old Krishna Anicut (built by Sir Arthur Cotton between 1852 and 1855), which suffered a major breach during severe floods in September 1952. 
• This is one of the earliest major irrigation projects in Southern India. 
• It was named after the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Tanguturi Prakasam. 

Prakasam Barrage Purpose

• The scheme irrigates nearly one million hectares of land, converting the Krishna delta into a rich granary in Andhra Pradesh. 
• This barrage also supplies water to Buckingham Canal which was constructed as an inland navigation canal initially but later used as an irrigation water supply canal. 
• While irrigation is a primary function, the barrage also plays a crucial role in flood control and maintaining ecological balance in the region. 
• Features:
• The structure runs nearly 1223 m and features 68 gates that regulate the flow of water. .
• Constructed primarily from locally sourced granite, the barrage exhibits significant thermal mass properties, which help in moderating temperature fluctuations in the surrounding environment. 
• The gates are engineered using high-strength steel, providing durability against the dynamic hydraulic forces exerted by the Krishna River. 
• The barrage’s design incorporates a reinforced concrete structure that supports a series of sluice gates, allowing for precise control of water levels.    
• It has three canals (Bandar canal, Eluru canal, and Ryves canal) that run through the city of Vijayawada, giving it a Venetian look. 
• The famous Bhavani Island is situated amidst the backwaters of the barrage.

News: TH