A Dam of Hope: The LMD Story
The story of LMD begins in the mid-20th century. As Karimnagar grappled with water scarcity for irrigation and drinking, the seeds for the dam were sown. As part of a broader initiative to improve irrigation and water management in the state, construction of LMD began in 1974, and for over a decade, the landscape of the Manair River witnessed a metamorphosis. By 1985, the LMD stood tall, a beacon of hope promising a brighter future.
Today, it has transformed the region from arid plains into a flourishing agricultural hub. Over 163,000 hectares of land, once barren, bloomed with crops, ensuring food security for the region. The dam also became a crucial source of drinking water, quenching the thirst of countless households.
Situated near Karimnagar, the dam is strategically located to maximize water storage and management. The area around the dam features a rugged terrain, with the Eastern Ghats providing a dramatic backdrop. The reservoir created by the dam spans a large area, and its banks are lined with lush greenery, making it a vital ecological zone for the region.
Carving a Colossal Canvas
The LMD is an imposing structure. Imagine a giant stretching 10,741 meters, its arms embracing the Manair River at Alugunur village. Standing at a height of 41 meters from the riverbed, it creates a vast reservoir with a capacity of a whopping 621 million cubic meters. That's enough water to fill over 250,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
The dam itself is a marvel of engineering. It is primarily an earthen dam supplemented by rock-fill and masonry construction techniques. The dam’s design includes spillways, sluice gates, and a crest to manage the immense pressure of water it holds. The architecture is not only functional but also robust, designed to withstand seasonal fluctuations in water flow and weather conditions. The intricate network of canals, resembling veins branching out from a heart, carries the lifeblood of water to parched lands.
