Krishna Raja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam): History, Facts, Architecture & Importance

Krishna Raja Sagar Dam (KRS Dam) is a historic gravity dam built across the River Kaveri near Mysuru, Karnataka, to solve drought and irrigation challenges in southern Karnataka. This remarkable engineering achievement by the eminent Indian civil engineer, Sir M Visvesvaraya is one of India’s most important irrigation and drinking water projects. Even today the dam continues to support agriculture and supply drinking water for people in Mandya, Mysore, and Bangalore. The KRS Dam and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens together form one of the most visited heritage sites and tourist landmarks in Karnataka.

KRS Dam At A Glance

Location: Mandya District, near Mysuru, Karnataka

River: Kaveri (with Hemavathi & Lakshmana Theertha nearby)

Commissioned By: Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV

Chief Engineer: Sir M Visvesvaraya

Construction Began: 1911

Completed: 1932

Type: Gravity dam with automatic crest gates

Primary Purposes: Drinking water, irrigation, flood regulation, hydroelectric power generation

Why KRS Dam Was Built

The kingdom of Mysore was reeling from a severe drought in 1875-76. The region of Mandya and Mysore had always been dry and the summers were brutal. The people of the region mass migrated during the summers to escape the heat. The lack of water meant no irrigation, no crops and the drought wiped out almost one-fifth of the kingdom’s population. It was Sir M Visveswaraya, the then Chief Engineer of Mysore who planned to build a dam across the river Kaveri. Building a dam was seen as a potential solution to the region’s water crisis.

Vision And Approving The Plan

Sir M Visvesvaraya wanted to construct a massive dam across the river Kaveri for the below reasons:

• Provide drinking water to towns and cities.
• To enable year-round irrigation.
• Reduce dependence on erratic monsoons.
• Provide support for long-term economic growth.

When Sir M Visvesvaraya presented the blueprint of the dam, it was met with heavy opposition. The finance ministry felt that the project would serve no purpose. They further added that a lack of demand for the electricity produced would mean that it wouldn’t be of complete use. The Madras Presidency opposed to the project too and appealed to the imperial government not to approve it.

However, Sir M Visvesvaraya wasn’t deterred and he approached the Maharaja of Mysore and the Diwan, T Ananda Rao. The king consented and commissioned the construction of Krishna Raja Sagar Dam on 11th October 1911 with a massive budget of INR 81 lakhs.

Building Krishna Raja Sagar Dam

The construction of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, which would provide drinking water and be a source of irrigation, started in November 1911. Key features of the construction:

It has a storage capacity of 1,368,847,000 m3 of water.

Over 10,000 workers were employed for the construction of the KRS dam in the Kannambadi village.

Traditional stone masonry and a lime-pozzolan mortar called surki was used in the construction.

The dam has 48 gates (six sets of eight gates), which open and close automatically with the rise and fall of water in the reservoir.

Visveswaraya installed these gates instead of spillways to prevent the dam from flooding.

Each of the cast-iron gates has a sill, lintel, side grooves, and plates.

The eight gates are connected to a deadweight through pulleys and chains. The deadweight is in turn connected to afloat.

The structure that stands today is 131 feet high.

Coming Out Of A Major Setback

Six months before the completion of the project, it ran into a dead-end. The funds had all been used, and there was no more money to finish the construction. The king had already sold his jewellery for the project, but the mounting costs of labour and construction meant that money too ran out. Faced with a dead-end, Sir M Visvesvaraya summoned village headmen from across Mandya. To his surprise, over 500 people arrived. Standing beside the Maharaja, Visvesvaraya openly admitted the project had no money left and asked whether villagers would work without pay to complete the project.

The next morning, to his surprise, thousands of people; Men, women, and elders gathered at the Mysore Palace to complete the construction of the dam. Thanks to the efforts of a brilliant engineer, a humble king, and the people who worked to make their dream a reality. The dam that stands today is a testament to the perseverance and hard work of all those people and the genius that was Sir M Visvesvaraya.

Sir M Visveswaraya: The Man Behind The Construction

Born to a poor family in Muddenahalli, Visvesvaraya, or Sir MV, as he is affectionately remembered, went on to become one of the greatest engineers and statesmen in India. The genius engineer is considered to be the maker of modern Mysore. Long before India got independence or the advent of modern technology, Sir M Visvesvaraya planned and built KRS Dam Karnataka.

Visvesvaraya has been instrumental in the construction and setting up of several institutions and industries across the state and the country. The 107-year-old Krishna Raja Sagar dam, which provides a livelihood to millions of people in Mysore and Mandya, is one of his greatest legacies. Visvesvaraya was not only a skilled engineer but also a powerful technocrat in the Mysore kingdom. But his creations also show his humanitarian side and selflessness.

Important Facts About KRS Dam

– This dam is named after the Maharaja of Mysore, Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV, who commissioned its construction.

– KRS Dam is also locally called as Kannambadi Katte or Dam because the town it is built in was formerly known as Kannambadi.

– It was built across river Kaveri for the Mysore and Mandya districts in Karnataka.

– Three rivers, namely Kaveri, Hemavathi, and Laksmanathirtha meet near the KRS Dam.

– The water of the KRS Dam further flows towards Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu.

Best Time To Visit KRS Dam

The best time to visit KRS Dam is during or after the monsoon season (June to September). Due to heavy rainfall, the water level of the dam increases, and sometimes the water gushes out of the gates as they automatically open on reaching 124 feet. If you are looking to explore in pleasant and comfortable weather, October to March is a great time.

How To Get To KRS Dam Mysore

Mysuru To KRS: 24 km (45 minutes by road)

Bengaluru To KRS: 143 km by road (3 hrs by road)

Chennai To KRS: 480 km (9–10 hrs by road)

Nearest Railway Station: Mysuru Junction (18–21 km from KRS Dam)

Things To Do In KRS Dam

– Explore the excellent architectural work by Sir M Visvesvaraya.

– Take a walk and go boating around the dam.

– Watch a light and musical show at Brindavan Gardens.

– Catch a beautiful sunset over the reservoir.

– Taste some local dishes from the street side vendors.

Also Read: The Mysore Wodeyars: A guide to the royals of the imperial city of Mysore

Final Words

Despite the challenges it has faced, the KRS Dam in Mysore stands as a timeless symbol of engineering excellence and a significant landmark in the state of Karnataka. A project which started as a solution for the irrigation and drinking problems is today shaping Karnataka’s economy, ecology, and heritage. It is one of India’s most iconic river valley projects and a perfect example of progress and innovation.

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