Sammakka Sagar Barrage (also known as Thupakulagudem Barrage) is a concrete gravity structure spanning the Godavari River near Thupakulagudem village in Eturnagaram Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana. The barrage was constructed between 2018 and 2021 at a length of 1,242 metres with 59 spillway gates, providing a storage capacity of approximately 6.7 TMC at a Full Reservoir Level of 83 metres. Originally proposed in 2009 as part of the PV Narasimha Rao Kanthanapally Sujala Sravanthi Scheme, the project was renamed Sammakka Sagar in 2017. The barrage plays a critical role in stabilising irrigation for 1.78 lakh hectares under the Sriramsagar Project Stage-II and creating a new ayacut of 12,146 hectares. It is a vital component of Telangana's water security, providing drinking water to hundreds of villages and supporting the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme.
A modern engineering marvel on the Godavari. Sammakka Sagar Barrage is one of Telangana's most significant irrigation and drinking water projects, designed to address acute water scarcity in the state's drought-prone and fluoride-affected districts. The barrage stands as a concrete gravity structure spanning 1,242 metres across the Godavari, with 59 spillway gates regulating the flow of one of India's largest rivers. Its construction between 2018 and 2021 marked a major milestone in Telangana's efforts to harness the Godavari's waters for the benefit of millions.
The barrage is strategically located just 5 km from the intake of the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme and 21 km from the Indravati confluence. It provides pondage to regulate river flows, stabilising irrigation for over 250,000 hectares under existing schemes like the Sri Ram Sagar Project and the J. Chokka Rao Devadula Lift Irrigation. The project also aims to divert 46.96 tmcft of Godavari water to stabilise 4.40 lakh acres under SRSP Stage-II and create a new ayacut of 30,000 acres. Beyond irrigation, the barrage provides safe drinking water to hundreds of villages, reducing reliance on fluoride-contaminated groundwater.
Historical Context – From Proposal to Reality
Origins: The Sammakka Sagar Project traces its origins to the undivided Andhra Pradesh government's PV Narasimha Rao Kanthanapally Sujala Sravanthi Scheme in 2009. A barrage at Tupakulagudem was originally proposed at a cost of ₹2,121 crore to utilise the Devadula project water fully.
Renaming and Restart: Following Telangana's formation in 2014, the project was redesigned. Studies recommended shifting the barrage downstream to Tupakulagudem in Mulugu to reduce submergence. The state government renamed Tupakulagudem as Sammakka Barrage in 2017 and decided to complete the unfinished project.
Construction: Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2021. The barrage was built as a concrete gravity structure spanning the Godavari River near Thupakulagudem village.
Interstate Clearance: The project required a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Chhattisgarh, as the barrage's backwaters extend into Bhoopalpatnam tahsil of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. After sustained efforts by the Telangana government, Chhattisgarh granted in-principle approval for the NOC in September 2025. Telangana committed to funding land acquisition, rehabilitation, and resettlement for the submergence of 73.44 hectares in Chhattisgarh.
Engineering and Architecture
The Sammakka Sagar Barrage is a testament to modern hydraulic engineering:
- Type: Concrete gravity structure spanning the Godavari River.
- Length: 1,242 metres across the river.
- Spillway: 59 spillway gates to regulate water flow.
- Storage Capacity: Approximately 6.7 TMC at Full Reservoir Level of 83 metres.
- Location: Situated on the Godavari downstream of its confluence with the Indravathi.
- Integration: The barrage integrates into Telangana's broader river-linking and multipurpose water initiatives downstream of the Kaleshwaram structures.
The project also envisages approach channels and gravity canals to carry water into command areas, along with three pump houses and delivery cisterns designed to handle large volumes of discharge.
Irrigation and Drinking Water Legacy
Irrigation Benefits: The Sammakka Sagar Project will stabilise irrigation for 1.78 lakh hectares under the Sriramsagar Project Stage-II and create a new ayacut of 12,146 hectares under the Ramappa–Pakhal Link Canal. This additional irrigation potential will benefit Warangal, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Jangaon, Khammam, and Nalgonda districts.
Drinking Water: The project aims to provide safe drinking water to hundreds of villages, reducing reliance on fluoride-contaminated groundwater. It addresses acute water scarcity in Telangana's drought-prone and fluoride-affected districts of Nalgonda and Warangal.
Devadula Support: The barrage supports the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme by providing pondage to regulate river flows. It stabilises irrigation for over 250,000 hectares under existing schemes.
Legacy: The Sammakka Sagar Barrage is a cornerstone of Telangana's water security. By diverting 46.96 tmcft of Godavari water, it will stabilise 4.40 lakh acres under SRSP Stage-II and create a new ayacut of 30,000 acres. The project is vital not only for Nalgonda and Warangal but also for stabilising irrigation across large parts of Telangana.
Visitor Information – Access and Best Time
Address & Access
Sammakka Sagar Barrage
Thupakulagudem Village, Eturnagaram Mandal,
Mulugu District, Telangana
≈5 km from Devadula Intake Structure
≈21 km from Indravati confluence
≈70 km from Warangal
≈230 km from Hyderabad
Local Guidance
No formal tourism office at the barrage. Inquire at local villages for guidance.
Best Season & Timings
Best Season: October – February (pleasant weather). Avoid monsoon (July–September) when the area can be waterlogged.
Timings: Daylight hours (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Entry Fee: Free.
Time needed: 1–2 hours.
Note: Limited facilities at the site. Carry water and snacks. The barrage is an active irrigation infrastructure – exercise caution near the water.
How to Reach Sammakka Sagar Barrage
From Hyderabad (≈230 km, 5-6 hrs): Take NH163 to Warangal → proceed to Mulugu (≈60 km from Warangal) → then to Eturnagaram Mandal → Thupakulagudem village. A private vehicle or SUV is recommended for the last stretch.
From Warangal (≈70 km): Warangal → Mulugu → Eturnagaram → Thupakulagudem.
From Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (≈23 km): Drive from the sanctuary to Thupakulagudem village.
By Train: Nearest railway stations are Warangal (≈70 km) or Kazipet (≈80 km). From there, hire a taxi.
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (≈230 km).
Suggested Adventure Itineraries
- From Warangal (1-Day trip): 8:00 AM depart from Warangal → 9:30 AM arrive at Sammakka Sagar Barrage → explore the structure, views of the Godavari → 11:30 AM visit nearby Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (23 km) → 1:00 PM lunch → 3:00 PM return to Warangal.
- From Hyderabad (Weekend): Day 1: Drive to Warangal, visit Thousand Pillar Temple & Ramappa Temple (UNESCO), overnight at Warangal or Mulugu. Day 2: Early morning to Thupakulagudem → visit the barrage → explore Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary → return by evening → drive back.
- Water & Wildlife Combo: Combine the barrage with Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (23 km) and Laknavaram Lake (≈50 km) for a nature and engineering exploration day.
Nearby Attractions – Heritage & Nature
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation Options
- No accommodation at the barrage.
- Eturnagaram: Forest guest house (advance booking required).
- Mulugu (≈50 km): Budget lodges.
- Warangal (≈70 km): Haritha Hotel (TSTDC), Hotel Ashoka, many budget hotels.
Food & Essentials
- No shops near the barrage – carry all food and water.
- Restaurants available in Mulugu and Warangal.
- Pack a high‑energy picnic lunch for the day.
Essential Travel Tips & Safety
Safety advisory: The Sammakka Sagar Barrage is an active irrigation infrastructure. Do not enter the water – the currents can be strong and dangerous. Stay on designated viewing areas. The area is remote – inform someone about your visit. Carry sufficient water, as there are no shops nearby. Respect the infrastructure and do not climb on gates or restricted areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sammakka Sagar Barrage?
A: It is a concrete gravity barrage across the Godavari River near Thupakulagudem in Mulugu district, Telangana.
Q: When was it built?
A: Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2021.
Q: What is its storage capacity?
A: Approximately 6.7 TMC at Full Reservoir Level of 83 metres.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, entry is free.
Q: What are the nearby attractions?
A: Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (23 km), Ramappa Temple (50 km), and Laknavaram Lake (50 km).
Q: How far is it from Warangal?
A: Approximately 70 km (≈1.5 hours drive).