Peechi Dam

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Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam
Shutters of Peechi Dam
Official name Peechi Dam
Location Peechi, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Construction began 1947
Opening date 1957
Operator(s) Irrigation Department, Kerala
Dam and spillways
Height 8.46 metre
Length 213 metre
Width (base) 4.27 metre
Reservoir
Creates Manali River
Capacity: tmc ft.

Peechi Dam is situated 22 km (14 mi) outside Thrissur city in Kerala, India. The dam was started as an irrigation project for the surrounding villages in Thrissur. At the same time, it catered the drinking water needs of the population of Thrissur City. It serves as an irrigation dam, reaching out to the paddy fields in and around Thrissur city. Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3,200 acres (1,300 ha) with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists. One can see tuskers on the bank of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1958 covering 125 square kilometres (48 sq mi).

History

Entrance of Peechi Dam

E. Ikkanda Warrier (1890–1977), the first Prime Minister of the then independent state of Kochi, India, was the architect of Peechi Dam. Majority of the Thrissurian opposed the dam cutting across the partyline. He brought a retired Chief Engineer from Andhra Pradesh to build the dam as engineers from Kerala opposed the project. The dam was completed in 1959. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, first Kerala Governor on October 4, 1957 inaugurated the dam.[1]

Travelling

A commemorative plaque installed for the engineers and workers who built the Peechi Dam.
  • By Road: Peechi Dam is well connected to Thrissur city. It is at a distance of 15 km (9.3 mi) from Thrissur city and have regular Kerala transport and private buses.
  • By Rail: The nearest railway station to Peechi Dam is the Thrissur Railway Station, which is only at distance of 22 kilometers.
  • By Air: The nearest airport to Peechi Dam is the Kochi International Airport which is at a distance of only 68 km (42 mi).
A view of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary from Peechi Dam

Accommodation

  • Accommodation facilities can be availed at the rest house and the information centre.
  • Hotels are available in Thrissur City.

Statistics

  • One of the oldest dams in Kerala
  • Type of Dam: Concrete Straight Gravity

See also

Contractor: Mr N O Inasu, Nadakkavukaran .

References

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