Nestled on the banks of the
Krishna River, Vijayawada, formerly known as Bejawada, stands as a symbol of
Andhra Pradesh’s rich history and modern transformation. At the heart of this
city’s identity lies one of South India’s most iconic engineering marvels — the
Prakasam Barrage.
The Legend of Bejawada
Before the city was called
Vijayawada, it bore the name Bejawada. According to local legend, the warrior
prince Arjuna, of Mahabharata fame, created a “bejjam” (meaning hole or
passage) in the surrounding hills to allow the Krishna River to reach the sea.
This divine intervention is believed to have given the city its ancient name.
From Anicut to Barrage: A Vision
for Irrigation
The story of water management in
this region began with a simple anicut, a low dam built to irrigate the fertile
Krishna delta. As irrigation needs grew, the anicut was eventually breached by
devastating floods in 1952. This spurred the construction of a more robust and
visionary structure — the Krishna Barrage, later renamed the Prakasam Barrage,
in honor of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, the first Chief Minister of Andhra
Pradesh.
Prakasam Barrage: Engineering
Excellence
Completed and inaugurated in 1957,
the Prakasam Barrage stretches 1,223.5 meters across the Krishna River, holding
back water to irrigate over 5.8 lakh acres of agricultural land across the
Krishna, Guntur, West Godavari, and Prakasam districts.
With its 70 majestic gates, the
barrage is more than just a water management structure — it's a monument to the
foresight and engineering prowess of its time. It also doubles as a vital road
bridge, connecting Vijayawada with the neighboring Guntur district, enhancing
both accessibility and aesthetics.
The network of canals branching
from the barrage weaves through the city, giving Vijayawada a Venetian-like
charm. These canals not only serve irrigation purposes but also add to the
scenic beauty and urban uniqueness of the city.
Tourist Attraction & Urban
Landmark
Today, the Prakasam Barrage is one
of Vijayawada’s most popular tourist attractions. Whether it's for an evening
stroll to enjoy panoramic views of the river or to appreciate the elegant blend
of history and functionality, the barrage draws both locals and visitors alike.
The Prakasam Barrage is more than
just an engineering marvel; it symbolizes Bejawada’s cultural, mythological,
and infrastructural identity. From Arjuna’s legendary role to Tanguturi
Prakasam’s leadership in modern irrigation, the barrage acts as a link between
history and progress, between the river and the city, and between the past and
the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment