Amaravathi Reservoir

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Amaravathi Reservoir
Location	Indira Gandhi National Park, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
Coordinates	10°24.64′N 77°15.6′ECoordinates: 10°24.64′N 77°15.6′E
Lake type	reservoir
Primary inflows	Amaravathi River
Primary outflows	Amaravathi River
Basin countries	India
Surface area	9.31 km²
Max. depth	33.53 m

Amaravathi Reservoir at Amaravathinagar is located in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India, central location 10°24.64′N, 77°15.6′E. The 9.31 km², 33.53 m deep^[1] reservoir was created by the steep Amaravathi Dam^[2] built in 1957 during the K. Kamaraj administration across the Amaravathi River about 25 km upstream and south from Thirumoorthy Dam. Capacity of the dam has shrunk from 4 tmcft to 3 tmcft due to siltation.^[3] Though built primarily for irrigation and flood control, during 2003-04, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board proposed to install 4 mw electric generating capacity from the dam.^[4] The non-indigenous fish tilapia now accounts for a major portion of the fish caught in the reservoir.^[5].There is a well laid-out park where one may climb steep steps on the dam to have a picturesque view north of the plains below and south to the Anaimalai Hills and Palni Hills above. This place, 25 km from Pollachi is also being developed as a District Excursion Centre for tourism.^[6]

[edit] Crocodiles

The largest population of wild Crocodiles in Tamil Nadu live in the reservoir, and in the Chinnar, Thennar and Pambar rivers that drain into it. These broad-snouted Mugger Crocodiles, also known as Marsh Crocodiles and Persian Crocodiles, are the most common and widespread of the three species of crocodiles found in India. They eat fish, other reptiles, small and large mammals and are sometimes dangerous to humans. Their total population here is currently estimated to be 60 adults and 37 sub-adults.
The Amaravati Sagar Crocodile Farm, Established in 1975, the largest Crocodile nursery in India, is nearby. Many crocodiles of all sizes can be seen basking in the sun and suddenly making a stride or piled up on one another. Eggs are collected from wild nests along the perimeter of the reservoir to be hatched and reared at the Farm. There are now 430 animals maintained in captivity. Many adult crocodiles have been reintroduced from here into the wild. Three Forest Department personnel manage and maintain the Centre.^[7]

[edit] References