Read to explore the rich history, remarkable engineering, and vital significance of the Mettur Dam – an architectural marvel that has not only harnessed the power of a river but also nurtured the dreams and aspirations of an entire region.
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| Source - citytimes.co.in |
The source and the basin:
The main source of Mettur dam is River Cauvery. Cauvery originates at Talakaveri – Coorg district of Karnataka Brahmagiri range of hills in the western gate at an elevation of 1341 m (above MSL). The total length of Cauvery from the origin to its outfall into the sea is 800 km (Karnataka 320km, Common boundary – 64km, Tamil Nadu – 416km).
The river basin receives rainfall mainly from South West monsoon and partially from North East monsoon. The principal tributaries of Cauvery are Kabini, Hemavathy, Herangi, Laxmna thirtha with catchment area.
In Tamil Nadu at upstream of dam Thoppaiyar, Nagavathy, Chinnar, Kesarigulihalla river and Palar downstream of dam Bhavani River, Noyyal river and Amaravathy River for major tributaries confluence in Cauvery River.
Salient features of the Stanley reservoir:
The total length of the dam is 5300ft which is 1614.4m. The width of the river at dam site is 1100ft.The greatest height of the dam is 214ft and the greatest width of the dam at site is 171ft. The width of the dam at the top is 20’5” and the width of the roadway is 16ft. The full reservoir level is 120ft.
From the downstream point of view, the sides of the dam were divided as Right Flank (RF) and Left Flank (LF).
The Platinum Jubilee Tower:
In the RF, there is a Platinum Jubilee tower that was built to mark the 75th year of the dam. The height of this tower is 75ft.
It also has a Mulling’s point which can be used to detect the changes in the dam’s position. As you enter the tower, models of the dam are kept for public view and also certain photos are framed which tell you the processes that took place during the construction of the dam.
The Ellis Saddle Bridge:
The Ellis Saddle Bridge or the 16 Eye Bridge is located at the LF of the dam. The vents here are opened when the dam reaches 120ft to allow the surplus inflow to various purposes. This is built so that the pressure of the water does not affect the dam’s structure.
The Boat House:
There is a Boat House at the RF. There are bogies and 3 boats in the boat house for inspection purposes. As the water spread area extends till Hogenakkal, the boat inspection sometimes prolongs until that distance. Usually, the detailed boat inspection is carried out occasionally and at times it is carried out to check the growth of any weeds or any other unnecessary plants in the catchment area and removal of those plants and necessary actions to stop their growth will be carried out.
High Level Sluice:
The High-Level Sluices has 8 vents and the maximum discharge of this sluice is 40,500cusecs. There is no gallery in this High-Level Sluice. The weight of the opening gate in this sluice is 12 tonnes. The High-level sluice is opened when the water in the dam is 50-100ft level.
Low Level Sluice:
The Low-Level Sluice has 5 vents and the maximum discharge of this sluice is 15,000 cusecs. Low level sluice has gallery in it. This sluice is 50ft above the dam from the bottom. The low sluice is open during the summer seasons to fulfill the water scarcity.
The Gallery:
The main source of Mettur dam is River Cauvery. Cauvery originates at Talakaveri – Coorg district of Karnataka Brahmagiri range of hills in the western gate at an elevation of 1341 m (above MSL). The total length of Cauvery from the origin to its outfall into the sea is 800 km (Karnataka 320km, Common boundary – 64km, Tamil Nadu – 416km).
The river basin receives rainfall mainly from South West monsoon and partially from North East monsoon. The principal tributaries of Cauvery are Kabini, Hemavathy, Herangi, Laxmna thirtha with catchment area.
In Tamil Nadu at upstream of dam Thoppaiyar, Nagavathy, Chinnar, Kesarigulihalla river and Palar downstream of dam Bhavani River, Noyyal river and Amaravathy River for major tributaries confluence in Cauvery River.
Salient features of the Stanley reservoir:
The total length of the dam is 5300ft which is 1614.4m. The width of the river at dam site is 1100ft.The greatest height of the dam is 214ft and the greatest width of the dam at site is 171ft. The width of the dam at the top is 20’5” and the width of the roadway is 16ft. The full reservoir level is 120ft.
From the downstream point of view, the sides of the dam were divided as Right Flank (RF) and Left Flank (LF).
The Platinum Jubilee Tower:
In the RF, there is a Platinum Jubilee tower that was built to mark the 75th year of the dam. The height of this tower is 75ft.
It also has a Mulling’s point which can be used to detect the changes in the dam’s position. As you enter the tower, models of the dam are kept for public view and also certain photos are framed which tell you the processes that took place during the construction of the dam.
The Ellis Saddle Bridge:
The Ellis Saddle Bridge or the 16 Eye Bridge is located at the LF of the dam. The vents here are opened when the dam reaches 120ft to allow the surplus inflow to various purposes. This is built so that the pressure of the water does not affect the dam’s structure.
The Boat House:
There is a Boat House at the RF. There are bogies and 3 boats in the boat house for inspection purposes. As the water spread area extends till Hogenakkal, the boat inspection sometimes prolongs until that distance. Usually, the detailed boat inspection is carried out occasionally and at times it is carried out to check the growth of any weeds or any other unnecessary plants in the catchment area and removal of those plants and necessary actions to stop their growth will be carried out.
High Level Sluice:
The High-Level Sluices has 8 vents and the maximum discharge of this sluice is 40,500cusecs. There is no gallery in this High-Level Sluice. The weight of the opening gate in this sluice is 12 tonnes. The High-level sluice is opened when the water in the dam is 50-100ft level.
Low Level Sluice:
The Low-Level Sluice has 5 vents and the maximum discharge of this sluice is 15,000 cusecs. Low level sluice has gallery in it. This sluice is 50ft above the dam from the bottom. The low sluice is open during the summer seasons to fulfill the water scarcity.
The Gallery:
Galleries are nothing but the openings or passageways left in the dam’s body. A gallery in a masonry dam parallel to the top of the dam is to intercept seepage from the upstream face and conduct it away from the downstream face. The gallery is used to find the seepage of the dam. Seepage of the dam shows the stability of the dam.
The total length of the gallery of Mettur Dam is 4400ft. The seepage water in the gallery is collected on both sides with the help of small channel. They are mentioned as East and West side. The seepage in each gallery is measured using a V-notch.
It is a reminder that, in the face of adversity, humanity can rise to the occasion and build wonders that benefit generations to come. The Mettur Dam is not just a monument of concrete and steel; it is a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and find solutions to the complex challenges of our time.
Written by – Saumiyaa K S
Edited By – Anushka Dabhade
The total length of the gallery of Mettur Dam is 4400ft. The seepage water in the gallery is collected on both sides with the help of small channel. They are mentioned as East and West side. The seepage in each gallery is measured using a V-notch.
Thus, in the years to come, the Mettur Dam will continue to be a focal point of discussion and action, as we strive to harness its potential while safeguarding the delicate balance of nature.
It is a reminder that, in the face of adversity, humanity can rise to the occasion and build wonders that benefit generations to come. The Mettur Dam is not just a monument of concrete and steel; it is a testament to our ability to adapt, innovate, and find solutions to the complex challenges of our time.
Written by – Saumiyaa K S
Edited By – Anushka Dabhade
This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - saumiyaaslm@gmail.com
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