🌊 Kadam Dam | Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project (KNRP)
Godavari North Canal marvel – Nirmal District, Telangana
A Lifeline of Northern Telangana: Kadam Dam stands as a testimony to mid‑20th century engineering. The dam’s reservoir, set amidst scenic hillocks and dense greenery, not only irrigates thousands of hectares but also has become a serene weekend getaway. During monsoon, the sight of water rushing through flood gates is breathtaking. The adjacent park, walking trails, and peaceful backwaters attract nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts.
The project was renamed Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project (KNRP) in honour of the visionary leader from the region. Combined with the Saraswathi Canal link from Sriram Sagar, the dam ensures year‑round water security for Nirmal, Jannaram, Luxettipet, and surrounding mandals. Since its modernization in 2010–2020, the ayacut expanded from 25,000 ha to 68,000 ha, making it a pillar of Telangana’s agrarian prosperity.
📜 History & Naming – Sage Kandava to Kaddam Narayana Reddy
📖 Ancient & Modern Legacy: Local tradition says the dam’s location was once blessed by sage Kandava (or Kadam Rushi), who performed great yagnas here. The river and dam take their name from that legend. In the early 1960s, the Government renamed the project to Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project (KNRP) as a tribute to Sri Kaddam Narayana Reddy, a popular leader and former MLA who championed irrigation development in Adilabad & Nirmal districts. The project was built between 1949 and 1965, with first impounding in 1958. It stands as a symbol of regional prosperity.
🏗️ Technical Profile & Dam Dimensions
Dam Type: Earthen dam with masonry spillway | Max Height: 31.5 m (103 ft) above foundation | Crest Length: 2,090 m (6,857 ft)
Gross Storage: 2.16 TMC | Live Storage: 2.08 TMC | Full Reservoir Level (FRL): 244.5 m approx.
Spillway: 8 radial gates + 2 sluice gates, designed to handle heavy monsoon floods | Catchment Area: 1,250 sq km
Source: Telangana Irrigation Dept & India-WRIS
🚜 Canal Network & Ayacut Expansion
🌾 Left Canal
Serves Pedda Bellal, Chinna Bellal, Chityal, Kondukur, Kannapur, Moriigudem, Patha Kondukur, Uppari Gudem, Chinna camp, Perka palli, and other villages of Kadem mandal. Provides drinking water to over 60 villages.
🌾 Right Canal
Benefits Jannaram, Dandepally, Tallapalli, Myadarpet, Luxettipet, and surrounding areas. Combined canal length exceeds 112 km, supporting paddy, maize, cotton, and pulses under both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
The project originally designed for 25,000 hectares now commands 68,000 ha of ayacut after modernisation (2015–2022). Canal lining and micro-irrigation initiatives have increased water use efficiency, benefiting more than 120 villages directly.
🏞️ Tourism & Visitor Experience
🎯 Why Visit Kadam Dam? Scenic hillocks, lush greenery, well‑maintained park, and the gushing spillway during monsoon (July–September). The reservoir backwaters offer a calm retreat. Ideal for photography, family picnics, and nature walks. Best season: July to February; post‑monsoon (Oct–Feb) is most pleasant.
🚗 How to Reach Kadam Dam
- By Road: 51 km from Nirmal town, 70 km from Adilabad via Peddur village. TSRTC buses run from Nirmal, Adilabad, and Hyderabad. Taxis available.
- By Train: Nearest major station: Adilabad (70 km). Kaddam halt (minor) on Secunderabad–Manmad line.
- By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈270 km) → cab or train to Nirmal/Adilabad.
🌊 Integration with Sriram Sagar Project & Water Security
Saraswathi Canal Link: Kadam reservoir receives supplemental water from Sriram Sagar Project (SSP) through the Saraswathi Canal. This integration stabilises the local catchment and ensures year-round supply for irrigation and drinking water. Modernisation efforts (2018–2024) included canal lining, gate automation, and real-time flow monitoring, reducing losses and enhancing reliability for tail-end farmers.
💧 Drinking Water & Socio‑economic Impact
Beyond farming, Kadam Dam supplies raw water to rural drinking water schemes covering nearly 250,000 people in Nirmal district and adjoining mandals. The reservoir also supports livestock, aquaculture, and groundwater recharge. Since the ayacut expansion, cropping intensity has risen to 160%, with farmers shifting to high-value crops. The dam’s reliable water has reduced distress migration and boosted local economies.
⏰ Visitor Information & Travel Tips
📍 Address
Kadam Dam (KNRP), Kaddam Peddur,
Nirmal District, Telangana – 504202
Near NH 44 (Hyderabad–Nagpur highway) turn via Nirmal
🕐 Timings
Dam & Park: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Best months: July–February (monsoon & winter)
🎯 Tips
✔️ Carry water, sunglasses, hat
✔️ Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds
✔️ Respect reservoir safety rules – no swimming
✔️ Combine with nearby attractions: Basara Saraswathi Temple (≈70 km), Kuntala Waterfalls (≈90 km), Pochera Falls
📸 Photography
Sunrise over the reservoir, spillway in monsoon, hillocks reflection – bring a zoom lens for birdlife.
🌿 Eco‑tourism & Park Attractions
The adjacent park is well‑maintained with walking paths, flowering plants, and seating. During monsoon, the dam’s flood gates create a roaring spectacle. The calm backwaters are perfect for quiet reflection. The site is also popular for school picnics and weekend getaways from Hyderabad, Nizamabad, and Adilabad.
📚 References & Official Sources
- 🌐 Telangana Tourism – Kadam Dam Official Profile
- ✈️ Trawell – Kadam Dam, Adilabad Travel Guide
- 📄 Govt of Telangana – Irrigation & CAD (KNRP)
- 🗺️ India-WRIS – Kadam Dam Technical Data (ID: TS04DG0013)
- 📰 The Hindu – KNRP expands ayacut to 68,000 ha
- 📘 Telangana State Planning Board – KNRP Modernisation Report
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