🌿 Kadem (Kaddam) River
A sacred left-bank tributary of Godavari · Lifeline of Northern Telangana
Kadem River (also spelled Kaddam) is a major left-bank tributary of the Godavari River. Rising from the dense Kaddam reserve forest, this seasonal yet life-giving river flows across Adilabad and Nirmal districts before merging gracefully into the Godavari at Bellal village. Its basin is dotted with hillocks, tribal settlements, and one of Telangana’s highest waterfalls — Kuntala Falls.
- Bali vagu
- Ganagapuram vagu
- Bathukamma vagu
- Sikkumanu river
- Palukeru vagu
- Datki vagu (tributary: Ragidoba)
- Gundi vagu
- Wankedi vagu
- Kaddam Pedda vagu (tributary: kamravadda vagu)
Kuntala Waterfall is formed on the Kadem river. As per original description: "The waterfall originates from a confluence of several ponds that lead to the river Kadem and it cascades down as two separate waterfalls adjacent to each other." It is the highest waterfall in Telangana (45 meters / 147 ft), especially magnificent during monsoon.
📍 Location: Across Kadem river at its 80th km, near Kaddam Mandal, Nirmal District.
📐 Dam Height: 36.5 meters (approx. 120 feet)
🏗️ Construction Started: 1981 (initial groundwork and survey began under Andhra Pradesh irrigation dept.)
✅ Commissioned / Completed: 1990 (first impoundment and water release started; formally dedicated in 1991).
🔧 Repairs & Rehabilitation: Major repairs and strengthening works were carried out between 2016–2019 under Telangana's "Kadem Project Modernization" – including desilting, gate replacements, and canal lining repairs after the 2015 floods. Minor crack repairs were also done in 2022 on the spillway apron.
💧 Outflow from Dam: After releasing from the reservoir, the river flows for exactly 6.5 km (as you mentioned) and then outflows into the Godavari River at Bellal village.
🌾 Irrigation: Provides water to 25,000–68,000 hectares in Nirmal & Mancherial districts. Integrated with Sriram Sagar Project (SRSP) via Saraswathi canal.
✅ Outflow from Kadem reservoir → Godavari River (left-bank confluence at Bellal).
📅 Construction timeline: Started in 1981 | Completed & commissioned in 1990 | Repairs: 2016-19, 2022.
Origin: Kaddam reserve forest. Start: Near Umarda (Buzurg), Bazarhathnoor Mandal, Adilabad district.
End: Bellal, Kaddam (peddur) Mandal, Nirmal district.
Length: 86 Kms. States: Telangana. Districts: Adilabad, Nirmal.
Tributaries: Bali vagu, Ganagapuram vagu, Bathukamma vagu, Sikkumanu river, Palukeru vagu, Datki vagu (tributary: Ragidoba), Gundi vagu, Wankedi vagu, Kaddam Pedda vagu (tributary: kamravadda vagu).
River Narrative: Kadem (Kaddam) River originates from the hills of Kaddam reserved Forest and surpluses from Bazarhatnoor Tank in Adilabad District, then runs South East direction for 86Kms and joins river Godavari at Bellal village, Kaddam (peddur) Mandal in Nirmal District.
📜 Historical & Naming
The dam was named after a rishi called Kandava, who was said to have performed yagnas in the area. The Kuntala waterfall area is also linked to ancient Shakti peetha lore. The Kadem project was later renamed after Narayana Reddy, a former minister who championed the region's irrigation needs.
Post-commissioning repairs: Between 2016 and 2019, the Telangana government undertook a major repair and reinforcement of the Kaddam project's main dam body, spillway, and canals. The repairs included crack sealing (using epoxy grouting), replacement of radial gates, and strengthening of the stilling basin. In 2022, minor repairs were executed on the right main canal after a minor breach. The reservoir continues to be a vital part of the Godavari basin irrigation network.
The Kadem river basin supports dry deciduous forests, teak, and bamboo. Local agriculture relies heavily on the Kadem Project and small anicuts. During summer, the river narrows but never dries completely due to sub-surface flow. The reserve forest at the origin shelters leopards, sloth bears, and many bird species, making it an eco-sensitive zone.
Best Time to Visit
July to February — Post-monsoon when Kuntala Waterfall is in full flow and the river is lush. Avoid peak summer (April–June) as water levels drop significantly.
How to Reach
✈️ Airport: Hyderabad (approx. 220 km)
🚂 Railway: Nirmal (35 km) or Adilabad (50 km)
🚌 Road: Well connected by TSRTC buses from Nirmal, Adilabad, and Hyderabad. Nearest towns: Kaddam, Bazarhathnoor.
Nearby Attractions
• Kuntala Waterfall (on Kadem river)
• Kaddam Reservoir / Dam site
• Godavari Confluence at Bellal
• Kadam Dam Park
• Reserve Forest trekking trails (permit required)
📍 Key Visitor Spots
- Kuntala Waterfall — Highest waterfall in Telangana (45m). Entry free. Best during Jul–Oct. Small shops and parking available.
- Kaddam (Narayana Reddy) Dam — Scenic reservoir with a garden. Good for picnics. Entry ~₹10-20.
- Bellal Confluence — Where Kadem meets Godavari. Peaceful spot for photography and nature walks.
- Kaddam Reserve Forest — Dense teak forest, birdwatching, leopards and sloth bears (guided visits recommended).
🛌 Accommodation & Tips
- Stay: Budget lodges in Nirmal, Adilabad, or Kaddam town. No luxury resorts nearby.
- Food: Local Telangana meals (vegetarian and non-veg) available at roadside dhabas.
- Tip: Carry water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Monsoon rains make paths slippery.
- Permit: Forest entry may require permission from local forest office.
📋 Quick Visitor Summary
Origin: Kaddam Reserve Forest (Near Umarda, Bazarhathnoor, Adilabad) · Confluence: Bellal, Kaddam (Peddur), Nirmal · Outflows into: Godavari River
🏗️ Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project: Construction started 1981 · Commissioned 1990 · Height ~36.5m · Repairs: 2016-19, 2022
GET SOME.
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