Poondi Reserve Dam - Tamilnadu

Situated in the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, the Poondi Reserve Dam is an impressive feat of engineering and a crucial reservoir that supplies water to the busy metropolis of Chennai. The Poondi dam, which was constructed over the Arani River, a tributary of the Palar River, is the biggest of the four major water reservoirs that supply Chennai with water. The other three are the lakes of Cholavaram, Red Hills, and Chembarambakkam. The area around the dam is a vivid tapestry of verdant hills, tumbling waterfalls, and a glittering lake. The reservoir is a naturalist's dream come true because of the wide variety of plants and animals that call it home. Numerous bird species, especially migratory ones that swarm the region in the winter, are visible to visitors. Hiking and trekking are highly recommended at Poondi Dam due to the surrounding hills, which offer expansive views of the reservoir and its surroundings. The Poondi Reserve Dam was built in 1910 and has been providing water to the inhabitants of Chennai and the surrounding areas for almost a century. When the dam was first constructed, the Madras Presidency needed the water stored for irrigation. But because of Chennai's explosive growth, the dam today largely provides the city with a vital supply of water.
The primary purpose of the Poondi Reserve Dam is to retain monsoon runoff for use in the sweltering summer months. In addition to being essential for gathering and storing seasonal rainfall, it has made a substantial impact on lessening the consequences of droughts and water scarcity in the area. The architecture and design of the Poondi Reserve Dam are remarkable. The dam, which is 13.32 meters high and 2,315 meters long, can hold 3.27 thousand million cubic feet (TMCFT) of water in total. About 2,069 square kilometers make up the reservoir of the dam, which includes parts of the districts of Thiruvallur and Kanchipuram. During the monsoon season, the Poondi Reserve Dam's 74 crest gates are used to manage and control the flow of water into the reservoir. The Poondi reservoir, surrounded by verdant surroundings and breathtaking scenery, is a popular picnic location that draws a lot of people, especially on the weekends and during the monsoon season when the dam is at its most spectacular. The Poondi Reserve Dam is an essential source of water for Chennai, but it has faced a number of difficulties over the years, including siltation, encroachments, and rising water demand. There is less storage capacity in the dam as a result of rising siltation levels, which are mostly the result of soil erosion. The Tamil Nadu government has responded by launching a number of initiatives to desilt and bring the dam's original storage capacity back. The government has taken action to remove illegal construction and restore the original catchment borders in order to solve the issue of encroachment and stop additional deterioration of the catchment area. Furthermore, in order to encourage the growth of vegetation and lessen soil erosion while increasing the dam's storage capacity, the government has implemented afforestation activities in the area.
The Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD) has suggested a number of augmentation projects, such as connecting the Poondi Reservoir with the Kandaleru Reservoir in Andhra Pradesh, to improve the overall water supply to Chennai in an effort to lessen the growing demand for water. In addition, the TWAD is committed to encouraging water efficiency and has launched a number of water conservation initiatives, such as rainwater collection, to support a conscientious attitude toward water usage. With its amazing design and extensive history, the Poondi Reserve Dam is a valuable resource for the people of Tamil Nadu. Notwithstanding the difficulties it encounters, the dam will carry out its purpose of giving Chennai relief from the intense summer heat. The Poondi Reserve Dam will surely maintain its illustrious place in the history of Tamil Nadu's water management and serve as a ray of hope for future generations with the planned interventions and water conservation measures in place.

Activities at Poondi Reserve Dam

Boating - Guests can enjoy boating on the reservoir while admiring the beautiful scenery that surrounds them.
Picnicking - People love to unwind and have a lunch in the beautiful natural surroundings of the dam region.
Nature Walks - Take a leisurely stroll around the reservoir to discover the stunning surroundings of Poondi Dam.
Bird Watching - Poondi Dam and its surroundings are home to a variety of bird species, making them an excellent destination for bird watchers.
Photography - Use your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery and local fauna near the dam.
Fishing - Another pastime available to guests at Poondi Dam is fishing, which offers a peaceful experience beside the water.
Visit the Oondreswarar Temple - which is next to the dam and has beautiful architecture and historical value.

How to reach Poondi Reserve Dam

By Air –Chennai airport is the nearest to reach Poondi Dam covering 63 Km
By Train –Tiruvallur junction is the nearest railway station to reach Poondi Dam covering 20 Km
By Road –Driving from Chennai is the easiest way to reach Poondi dam Via NH48 Covering 60 Km