EP01 | KRS Dam | ಒಳಗೆ ಮುಳುಗಿದ್ದ ವೇಣುಗೋಪಾಲನನ್ನು ಹೊರಕ್ಕೆ ತಂದು ಇಟ್ಟವರಾರು...

The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam is a significant landmark in Karnataka, India, built across the River Cauvery. It's named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the ruler of Mysore, who commissioned the project. Here are some fascinating facts about the dam ¹ ²: *Location and Purpose*: The dam is situated near the confluence of the Cauvery, Hemavati, and Lakshmana Tirtha rivers, serving as a crucial source of drinking water for Mysore and Bangalore cities, as well as irrigation for Mandya and Mysore districts. *History and Construction*: The construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1932 under the guidance of renowned engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The dam's innovative use of "surkhi" mortar, a mixture of limestone and brick powder, replaced traditional cement. *Design and Features*: The dam stands 130 feet tall and 3 kilometers long, with 152 sluice gates. Its reservoir covers approximately 130 square kilometers. *Brindavan Gardens*: The dam is flanked by the beautiful Brindavan Gardens, a 60-acre terrace garden featuring stunning fountains, flower beds, and a musical fountain show. *Current Water Level*: As of August 13, 2025, the water level at the KRS Dam is around 124.35 feet. *Importance and Challenges*: The dam plays a vital role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and drinking water supply. However, it faces challenges like water-sharing disputes with neighboring states and the impact of climate change on water availability. *Visiting Information*: The dam is open to visitors from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with an entry fee of ₹15 for adults and ₹5 for children (5-10 years). The musical fountain show timings vary, but generally take place between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM on weekdays and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on weekends ³ ⁴.