Kondapochamma Sagar

Part of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme: Kondapochamma Sagar is a key component of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, one of the largest multi-stage lift irrigation schemes in the world. The project was inaugurated on June 21, 2019, and the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir was commissioned on May 29, 2020, by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

Named After the Goddess: The reservoir is named after the Konda Pochamma Temple, a revered shrine on the borders of the united Medak, Warangal, and Nalgonda districts. Chief Minister KCR treated the project as a "temple" and performed Chandi Yagam, Sudarshan Yagam, and Gangamma poojas at the temple and the pump house before the inauguration.

Kondapochamma Sagar represents the pinnacle of the Kaleshwaram system. The reservoir is located at the highest elevation of 618 metres, making it the final destination of water lifted from the Godavari River.

• Water Source: Water is lifted from the Laxmi Barrage (Medigadda) on the Godavari River through a series of reservoirs, pump houses, canals, tunnels, and aqueducts.
• Distance: The reservoir is located 210 km from the Godavari River and 200 km from the Medigadda Barrage.
• Pumping Capacity: The project uses massive pump houses with a total capacity of 204 MW in the second pump house alone. The entire Kaleshwaram project uses 4,800 MW of power.
• Gravity Flow: From Kondapochamma Sagar, water flows through 13 canals and 135 km of main canals to irrigate arid lands across five districts.
• Reservoir Features: The reservoir is 15.8 km long with three main sluices and a water spread area of 17.03 sq km.

Irrigation Benefits: Kondapochamma Sagar provides irrigation to 2.85 lakh acres across Siddipet, Sangareddy, Medak, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts. These districts, which had no irrigation facilities until now, have been transformed by the availability of water.

Drinking Water: The reservoir is emerging as a strategic and cost-effective water source for Hyderabad, with its elevation enabling gravity-based flow that can meet nearly half of the city's water needs with minimal energy costs. The reservoir is part of plans to rejuvenate the Musi River and supply water to Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar.

Cost Advantage: Kondapochamma Sagar offers significant cost advantages over alternatives like Mallanna Sagar, with gravity-based flow eliminating the need for extensive pumping infrastructure.

Beyond its irrigation and drinking water significance, Kondapochamma Sagar has emerged as a favourite weekend destination for Hyderabadis. Located just 50 km from Hyderabad, the reservoir offers a perfect escape from the city's chaos.

• Scenic Beauty: The vast expanse of blue water against the sky, with the concrete bund stretching far away, offers breathtaking views that leave visitors impressed.
• Activities: Visitors can enjoy a drive along the bund, relax with family, take photographs, and enjoy the sunset. The reservoir is a hotspot for bikers, photoshoot parties, and v-loggers.
• Access: The Hyderabad-Siddipet highway is a smooth ride with greenery on either side. From Gouraram, take a right turn to reach the reservoir.
• Nearby Attractions: The reservoir is located close to the Wargal Saraswathi Temple's arch on the main road.