Definition
Manjalar Dam is a dam situated in the Dindigul district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, constructed across the Manjalar River.
Overview
The structure functions primarily for irrigation and domestic water supply in the surrounding agricultural regions. It is managed by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) and forms part of the broader water‑resource network that supports the Kodaikanal and surrounding valleys. The dam contributes to the regulation of seasonal river flows, helping to mitigate water scarcity during the dry months.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Manjalar” originates from the river it impounds. In Tamil, “manjal” can denote a shade of yellow or a pleasant quality, while “ar” is a common suffix meaning “river.” Hence, “Manjalar” is interpreted locally as “the pleasant river,” though precise linguistic derivation is not documented in formal sources.
Characteristics
- Type: Gravity dam (constructed from concrete and masonry).
- Location: Approximately 12 km east of the town of Kodaikanal, in the Western Ghats foothills.
- River: Manjalar River, a tributary of the Vaigai River system.
- Primary Uses: Irrigation of downstream fields, provision of drinking water to nearby settlements, and flood control.
- Managing Authority: Tamil Nadu Public Works Department.
- Construction Period: The dam was built during the mid‑20th century; exact commissioning year is not definitively recorded in publicly available sources.
- Physical Dimensions: Specific data on height, length, and reservoir capacity have not been uniformly published; estimates place the gross storage capacity in the range of several million cubic metres, but accurate figures are not confirmed.
Related Topics
- List of dams and reservoirs in Tamil Nadu
- Vaigai River basin
- Irrigation in India
- Water management by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department
- Kodaikanal water‑supply scheme
Note: While the existence of Manjalar Dam is well‑established, detailed technical specifications and historical dates are not fully corroborated by publicly accessible encyclopedic references.