Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Water Level Today (1st April 2026)

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is one of the largest and most significant dams in India, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Built across the Krishna River, it is a major source of irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water for the region. The dam also plays a key role in flood control and has become a popular tourist attraction due to its impressive structure and scenic surroundings.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Construction Details

The construction of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam began in 1955 and was completed in 1967. It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The dam is a masonry dam, built using stone and concrete, and it spans approximately 1.6 kilometers in length. It stands at a height of 124 meters, making it one of the tallest dams in the world at the time of its completion. The construction involved extensive engineering and labor, with thousands of workers contributing to the project.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Water Capacity

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam has a gross storage capacity of 11,472 million cubic meters (404 TMC), making it one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world. This vast capacity is crucial for sustaining agricultural activities, supplying drinking water, and generating hydroelectric power throughout the year.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Maximum Capacity

The maximum water storage capacity of the Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir is 11,472 million cubic meters (404 TMC). This capacity plays a vital role in managing water resources, particularly during periods of drought and flood.

Location of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

The dam is located in the Nalgonda district of Telangana and the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the Krishna River, which is one of the major rivers in India. The dam is situated near the town of Nagarjuna Sagar, which derives its name from the famous Buddhist scholar Nagarjuna who lived in the region during the 2nd century.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam River Source

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is constructed across the Krishna River, which originates in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. The Krishna River flows through the states of Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the longest rivers in India and is crucial for the water supply in these states.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Irrigation Benefits

The dam supports irrigation for approximately 1.85 million acres of land in the Krishna Delta region. The extensive canal network linked to the dam ensures that water reaches even the farthest fields, boosting agricultural productivity and supporting the cultivation of various crops, including paddy, sugarcane, and cotton.

Hydropower Generation at Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam has an installed hydropower generation capacity of 815.6 MW. The hydroelectric power plants at the dam harness the water released to generate electricity, which contributes significantly to the power supply in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The renewable energy generated by the dam helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and supports sustainable development.

Tourism at Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam is a popular tourist destination, offering picturesque views of the reservoir and the surrounding hills. The dam itself is an engineering marvel, attracting visitors interested in its scale and construction. Nearby attractions include the Nagarjunakonda island, which houses an archaeological museum with artifacts from the Buddhist civilization, and the Ethipothala Waterfall, a stunning cascade located a short distance from the dam. The serene environment and scenic beauty make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam Water Dispute with Neighboring States

There are ongoing water disputes between Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra over the sharing of Krishna River water, which the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam taps into. These disputes often arise due to competing demands for water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use.

Legal battles and negotiations are frequently undertaken to ensure equitable distribution of water resources among these states.

Nearby Attractions to Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Nearby attractions include Nagarjunakonda island, Ethipothala Waterfall, and the Nagarjuna Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. These attractions offer a mix of historical, natural, and adventurous experiences, making Nagarjuna Sagar a multifaceted destination for tourists. The Nagarjunakonda island, in particular, is of historical significance due to its Buddhist relics and ancient monasteries.