The Niagara Falls of Telangana!

Hyderabad: Pamulaparthy, a remote village in Siddipet district, will have a new and unique identity as the government proposes to promote the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir as Telangana's Niagara Falls.

Located about 150 km away from the state capital Hyderabad, the 15-TMC capacity reservoir, constructed under the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, has been built 600 meters above sea level. The mega concrete structure receives water from Markook pumpsets which lift water from the canal and fill the reservoir which has 17 sq km water spread area. The FRL (Full Reservoir Level) of the project is 618 metres.

The location of the entire structure in a remote place and the availability of vacant lands around the project is enough for the development of a tourist centre as water falls from above 50-metre high pumphouse into the reservoir giving a feel of visiting an exotic place.

Officials said that abundant water in the reservoir which will also connect with other water bodies like Ranga Nayaka Sagar and Annapurna Sagar will help develop a tourism circuit with boating facility. The Irrigation department is in the process of preparing a plan to develop tourism spots along the Kaleshwaram Project in consultation with the Tourism department and private consultancies. Setting up of adventure and aqua sports and inviting foreign tourists by organising carnivals is already under consideration. The government is keen to promote the water body on the lines of Niagara Falls at international level.

The reservoir is an engineering marvel and it will be attractive tourist destination in the state, irrigation officials said, adding that the proposal to develop botanical gardens at the structure is also very much on cards. By the end of 2021, the reservoir will be in the list of top tourist attractions in the country, they said.

The construction of Kondapochamma Sagar, taken up at the cost of Rs 1700 crore, will provide irrigation facility to 2.85 lakh acres in Siddipet, Medak, Sangareddy, Yadadri - Bhongir and Medchal districts. The drinking needs of Hyderabad will also be addressed by this project soon.