Saralasagar Project (also written Sarala Sagar) is a distinctive irrigation project in Madanapur Mandal, Wanaparthy district, Telangana. It is officially described by the Telangana government as the second-largest project in Asia using siphon technology. Its automatic hood siphon spillway distinguishes it from conventional dams that depend on manually operated gates.
Historical background: The project was initiated in 1947 by the ruler of Wanaparthy Samsthanam, Raja Rameshwara Rao, and named after his mother, Sarala Devi. The foundation stone was laid on 15 September 1949 by General J.N. Chowdary, the then Military Governor of Hyderabad State. Construction was completed in 1959. Deccan Chronicle reports that the completed project was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru. Engineer P.S. Ramakrishna Raju played an important role in adapting California-inspired automatic siphon technology for the project.
Automatic siphon technology: Saralasagar is popularly associated with the description "Dam with no Gates" because its siphon spillway automatically discharges excess water when the reservoir reaches its designed operating level. The system includes four priming siphons and 17 hood siphons, which operate without the need for manually operated spillway gates.
Irrigation and water supply: The project serves approximately 4,182 acres of agricultural land. Originally a rain-fed project associated with Chinnavagu in the Krishna basin, it subsequently began receiving Krishna water released from the Jurala system through the Ramanpaddu system using lift irrigation.
An engineering landmark of the early post-independence era: Saralasagar stands apart from conventional gate-controlled dams. Its automatic siphon spillway is designed to discharge excess reservoir water when the water level reaches the operating level. The siphons use the hydraulic pressure and air-displacement principle to initiate discharge without requiring manually operated spillway gates. The technology was adapted from designs studied in California, USA, by engineer P.S. Ramakrishna Raju, who played an important role in the project's engineering.
The siphon arrangement: Technical accounts describe the system as comprising four priming siphons and 17 hood siphons. Deccan Chronicle reports that the four priming siphons are positioned at approximately 1,089 feet elevation. The siphons operate at different levels, allowing excess water to be discharged through the spillway system. The elevation figure refers to the reported operating level, not the physical height of the siphon structures.
The reservoir and its setting: Saralasagar has a reported storage capacity of approximately 0.5 TMC. It serves agricultural land in the surrounding region and is located about 6 km from Kothakota and approximately 20 km from Wanaparthy town. The project is accessible from the National Highway 44 corridor. The surrounding landscape includes agricultural fields and low hills.
Maintenance and breach history: The Telangana government included Saralasagar in Mission Kakatiya Phase-III works involving desilting and repairs to project structures. On 31 December 2019, the earthen bund near Shankarampeta suffered a major breach, resulting in the drainage of approximately 0.5 TMC of stored water. The reported breach involved the earthen bund and should not be confused with a failure of the siphon spillway itself. The incident highlights the importance of maintenance and safety at this ageing irrigation infrastructure.
History – A Raja's Vision and a California Connection
The Saralasagar Project is closely associated with the Wanaparthy Samsthanam and its ruler, Raja Rameshwara Rao. The project was initiated in 1947 and named after his mother, Sarala Devi. The foundation stone was laid on 15 September 1949 by General J.N. Chowdary, the then Military Governor of Hyderabad State. The project was completed in 1959.
The California connection: Engineer P.S. Ramakrishna Raju played a key role in adapting automatic siphon technology for Saralasagar after studying engineering designs in California, USA. Accounts differ on some details of his education and the arrangements through which he studied the technology. The California connection and his contribution to the project's engineering are reported by historical accounts, including Deccan Chronicle.
Why the siphon system mattered: Conventional dams generally use gates operated by mechanical or manual systems to regulate excess water. Saralasagar uses an automatic siphon spillway. When the reservoir reaches the designed operating level, the siphon mechanism initiates discharge and carries excess water over the dam. This reduces dependence on manually operated spillway gates. The staggered siphon arrangement allows discharge through multiple outlets.
Water supply and changing conditions: Saralasagar was originally a rain-fed irrigation project associated with Chinnavagu, a stream in the Krishna basin. Over time, the project increasingly relied on Krishna water released from the Jurala system upstream. Water is conveyed through the Ramanpaddu system using lift irrigation. This arrangement supplements the original rainfall-dependent water supply and supports the project's irrigation function.
Visitor Information
Location and Access
Saralasagar Project
Madanapur Mandal, Wanaparthy District,
Telangana, India.
Distance from Wanaparthy town: Approximately 20 km.
Distance from Kothakota: Approximately 6 km.
Distance from NH 44: Approximately 7 km, depending on the approach route.
Distance from Hyderabad: Approximately 150 km by road, according to Deccan Chronicle. Actual distance and travel time depend on the starting point and route.
Nearest railway station: Wanaparthy Road (WPR). Check current train services and road connections before planning the journey.
Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
By road: Travel towards Wanaparthy and Madanapur using NH 44 and the connecting local roads. The project is in the Kothakota–Madanapur region, near Shankarampeta.
Contact and Official Information
No dedicated tourism office at the dam: The Wanaparthy district administration is the relevant official contact for general visitor information. For access restrictions and operational conditions, check with the irrigation department.
Official reference: Wanaparthy District – Saralasagar Project
Timings, Entry and Best Season
Timings: Saralasagar is an operational irrigation project, not a regularly managed tourist park. No reliably verified fixed public visiting hours are available. Access to the embankment and other project areas may be restricted by irrigation authorities or security personnel.
Entry: No reliably verified current entry-fee information is available. Confirm locally before visiting. Do not assume that all parts of the project are open to the public.
Best Season: September–February can be a comfortable period to visit because of the relatively cooler weather following the monsoon. Reservoir levels depend on rainfall, upstream water releases and irrigation operations.
Siphon activation: The automatic siphons discharge excess water when reservoir levels reach their designed operating conditions. This can happen during periods of heavy monsoon inflow, but there is no fixed activation date or guaranteed spectacle.
Time needed: Approximately 1–2 hours for viewing the accessible parts of the project and surrounding landscape, subject to local access conditions.
Note: There are no confirmed dedicated tourist facilities at the dam. Carry drinking water and snacks, and check access conditions before travelling.
How to Reach Saralasagar
By Road from Hyderabad: Travel south on NH 44 towards Bengaluru and take the connecting roads towards Kothakota, Wanaparthy and Madanapur. The project is located near Shankarampeta. The road distance from Hyderabad is approximately 150 km, depending on the route and starting point.
By Road from Wanaparthy: Travel towards Madanapur and the Kothakota region. Saralasagar is approximately 20 km from Wanaparthy town.
By Rail: Wanaparthy Road (WPR) is a nearby railway station. Check current railway services and arrange local road transport to reach the project.
By Air: The nearest major airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. Continue by road towards Wanaparthy and Madanapur.
Facilities and What to Carry
- Water and snacks: Carry drinking water and light snacks. Reliable shops and eateries are not confirmed at the project site.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on accessible approach roads and viewing areas.
- Sun protection: Carry a hat and sunscreen because much of the surrounding area is exposed.
- Camera: The siphon arches and reservoir landscape can be photographed from permitted public areas. Ask before photographing restricted infrastructure.
- Cash: Carry some cash for local transport and purchases.
- Responsible visiting: Do not litter, climb on siphon structures, enter water or approach unstable embankments. Follow instructions from irrigation department personnel.
Who Should Visit Saralasagar?
- Engineering enthusiasts interested in early post-independence hydraulic technology and automatic siphon spillways.
- Photographers interested in the siphon structures and reservoir landscape.
- Visitors exploring the irrigation history and heritage of Wanaparthy district.
- Travellers combining the project with nearby heritage attractions, including Pangal Fort, Khilla Ghanpur Fort and Srirangapur temple.
Not ideal for: Visitors expecting a commercial tourist complex, developed recreational facilities or a guaranteed water spectacle. Saralasagar is an operational irrigation project, and siphon discharge depends on reservoir conditions and water inflow.
Important Notes for Travellers
- Ranking: Official Telangana tourism information describes Saralasagar as the second-largest project in Asia using siphon technology.
- Initiated by: Raja Rameshwara Rao of Wanaparthy Samsthanam. Published accounts differ on his regnal number, so the number is not specified here.
- Named after: Sarala Devi, the Raja's mother.
- Historical dates: Initiated in 1947; foundation stone laid on 15 September 1949; completed in 1959.
- Inauguration: Deccan Chronicle reports that the completed project was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Technology: Automatic hood siphon spillway adapted from California-inspired designs. Popularly associated with the description "Dam with no Gates".
- Siphon configuration: Four priming siphons and 17 hood siphons, according to published technical accounts.
- Irrigation: Approximately 4,182 acres.
- Storage capacity: Approximately 0.5 TMC.
- Water supply: Originally rain-fed and associated with Chinnavagu; subsequently supplemented by Krishna water released from Jurala through the Ramanpaddu system.
- Breach history: A major breach in the earthen bund occurred in December 2019.
- Visitor access: Access and visiting conditions depend on local irrigation department and security restrictions. Confirm before travelling.
- Best season: September–February is generally more comfortable for travel. Siphon discharge is dependent on heavy inflow and reservoir levels.
Important Visitor Note
Saralasagar is an operational irrigation project and a landmark of hydraulic engineering, not a fully developed tourist attraction. Its automatic siphon spillway is the principal engineering feature, but siphon activation depends on reservoir levels and water inflow. Dedicated tourist facilities and fixed public visiting hours are not confirmed. Access to the embankment and other infrastructure may be restricted. Visitors should check local conditions before travelling, carry drinking water and follow all safety instructions.
Attractions in Wanaparthy District
Saralasagar is one of several heritage and cultural attractions in Wanaparthy district. The following destinations can be considered when planning a wider district visit.
Top Attractions in Wanaparthy District
Location Map
Saralasagar Project: Madanapur Mandal, Wanaparthy district, Telangana.
The project is approximately 20 km from Wanaparthy town and is accessible from the NH 44 corridor. Confirm current access and road conditions locally before travelling.
References
- India.gov.in – Saralasagar Project – Project location, reported Asian siphon technology ranking, 4,182-acre irrigation area, Raja Rameshwara Rao, California connection, 1947–1959 chronology, Krishna water supply and Mission Kakatiya Phase-III works.
- Wanaparthy District Official – Saralasagar Project – Official district tourism information on location, siphon technology, irrigation area, historical background and project development.
- Deccan Chronicle – A Dam with Unique Siphon Technology (15 October 2018) – Historical chronology, foundation stone date, Raja's initiative, Sarala Devi, P.S. Ramakrishna Raju, California connection, siphon mechanism, reported Nehru inauguration and water supply through Jurala and Ramanpaddu.
- Wikipedia – Sarala Sagar Project – Supplementary background on the project's history, siphon technology, capacity and irrigation area. Use official and independent historical sources for primary verification.
- OptFind – Saralasagar Project – Supplementary visitor and technical information. Fixed visiting hours, parking charges and access restrictions should not be treated as officially confirmed.
- The Hindu – Major Breach on Saralasagar Bund (31 December 2019) – Contemporary reporting on the major earthen bund breach and drainage of approximately 0.5 TMC of reservoir water.
Historical and technical details are based on published government and news accounts. Some secondary sources differ on the ruler's regnal number and certain reservoir measurements. Visitor access, operating conditions and maintenance restrictions can change; confirm locally before travelling.
Key Facts at a Glance
Saralasagar Project (Sarala Sagar)
Madanapur Mandal, Wanaparthy District, Telangana
Raja Rameshwara Rao of Wanaparthy Samsthanam
Sarala Devi, the Raja's mother
1947
15 September 1949
1959; inauguration by Jawaharlal Nehru reported by Deccan Chronicle
Automatic hood siphon spillway adapted from California-inspired designs
Second-largest project in Asia using siphon technology, according to official Telangana tourism information
Four priming siphons and 17 hood siphons, according to published technical accounts
Approximately 4,182 acres
Approximately 0.5 TMC
Rainfall and Chinnavagu in the Krishna basin
Krishna water released from Jurala through the Ramanpaddu system
Approximately 20 km
Approximately 6 km
Major earthen bund breach in December 2019
Subject to local irrigation department and security restrictions
September–February for relatively comfortable weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is unique about Saralasagar?
A: Saralasagar is officially described as the second-largest project in Asia using siphon technology. Its automatic hood siphon spillway discharges excess reservoir water without manually operated spillway gates. It is popularly associated with the description "Dam with no Gates."
Q: Who built Saralasagar?
A: The project was initiated by Raja Rameshwara Rao of Wanaparthy Samsthanam and named after his mother, Sarala Devi. Published accounts differ on the ruler's regnal number, so it is not specified here.
Q: When was Saralasagar constructed?
A: The project was initiated in 1947. Its foundation stone was laid on 15 September 1949, and construction was completed in 1959.
Q: Who laid the foundation stone?
A: General J.N. Chowdary, the then Military Governor of Hyderabad State, laid the foundation stone on 15 September 1949.
Q: What is the storage capacity?
A: Published accounts generally report a storage capacity of approximately 0.5 TMC.
Q: How does the siphon system work?
A: The automatic siphon spillway uses hydraulic pressure and air displacement to discharge excess water when the reservoir reaches its designed operating level. It does not require manually operated spillway gates.
Q: When can I see the siphons in action?
A: The siphons operate when reservoir levels and inflows reach the required conditions, often during heavy monsoon inflows. There is no fixed activation date or guaranteed display.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: Current entry-fee information is not reliably confirmed. Check locally before visiting and follow any access restrictions.
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: No reliably verified fixed public visiting hours are available. Access to the dam and embankment depends on local conditions and project authorities.
Q: How far is Saralasagar from Wanaparthy?
A: Approximately 20 km from Wanaparthy town and about 6 km from Kothakota.
Q: Is the dam safe to visit?
A: Saralasagar is an operational irrigation project. A major breach occurred in its earthen bund in December 2019. Visitors should remain in permitted areas, avoid unstable structures and follow instructions from project personnel.
Q: What else can I visit in Wanaparthy district?
A: Other attractions include Pangal Fort, Khilla Ghanpur Fort, Wanaparthy Palace and Srirangapur temple.
Q: Is there accommodation at the dam?
A: Dedicated accommodation at the project is not confirmed. Visitors can consider staying in Wanaparthy town and arranging local transport to the site.
Conclusion – A Post-Independence Engineering Landmark
Saralasagar is one of Telangana's distinctive irrigation engineering projects, combining the vision of the Wanaparthy Samsthanam with automatic siphon technology adapted from California-inspired designs. Initiated in 1947 and completed in 1959, the project is known for its "Dam with no Gates" design and its contribution to irrigation across approximately 4,182 acres. Its automatic hood siphons distinguish it from conventional gate-controlled dams. The project's history also reflects changing water-management requirements, with supplementary Krishna water conveyed from the Jurala system through Ramanpaddu. The siphon structures and reservoir landscape are its principal points of interest, although their appearance and operation depend on water conditions. Saralasagar remains an operational irrigation project rather than a developed tourist park. Visitors should confirm access locally and respect restrictions around the dam and its structures.
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