Radhanagari Dam
Radhanagari Dam, is a gravity dam on Bhogawati river near Radhanagari in the state of Maharashtra in India. Construction was initiated by visionary Rajarshi Shahu on 18 February 1907. The dam is being used for irrigation as well as hydro-electricity. The dam is located amidst scenic surrounding in the backdrop of thick forest cover.
- The scheme was suggested by Pandurangrrao Krishnajirao Shinde, Esqr, BA, I.S.E ref to Report of Examination, by Sir Henry Howard, O.I.E, M.C., M Inst.C.E., M. I. E.E.. Considering the suggested advantage towards increasing irrigated land up to 15000 hectares and satisfying Kolhapur municipal water requirement, the share capital raised was paid back to concerned share holders who had planned for thermo-electric and mining project.
- Because of Mr Shinde's suggestion, the scheme was handed over to government in interest of people, after the capital invested was realised.
- Scheme was approved by Rajaram Maharaj or else would have been a thermal electric project, in favour of British industrial syndicate as suggested in the Second opinion of Sir Vishveswarayya.
- In 1941 PK Shinde was Specially appointed as Chief Engineer due to his technical competency and experience.
- Today Radhanagari Dam is the main reason for flourishing agriculture, and jaggery industry in Kolhapur District. The water need of Municipal Corporation of Kolhapur is satisfied through this dam.
Radhanagari Dam not only has a technology worth studying but also a history, that changed the fate of agriculture in Kolhapur.
Specifications
This dam is famous for its automatically operated 7 gates, which doesn't require any electrical or mechanical power to operate it. Till now this technology is not in any of the dam in India, except this dam. Other than this 7 automated gates, there are five manually operated gates in this dam.The height of the dam above lowest foundation is while the length is. The gross storage capacity is.
Purpose
- Irrigation
- Kolhapur cities water need
- Hydroelectricity