Prakasam Barrage

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.
• 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
  • 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.
• 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 70 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.