Tigra Dam

26°13′17.11″N 78°00′6.52″E / 26.2214194°N 78.0018111°E / 26.2214194; 78.0018111

Tigra Dam
CountryIndia
LocationGwalior, Madhya Pradesh
PurposeOperational
Opening date1916

Tigra Dam (also spelled "Tig Dam") creates a freshwater reservoir on the Sank River, about 23 km from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India[1] It plays a crucial role in supplying water to the city and is an important tourism spot of Gwalior.

View from the Dam
right side view

The dam is 24 metres high at its crest, and 1341 m long. The reservoir has a capacity of 4.8 million cubic metres and the spillway structure can pass up to 1274 cubic metres per second.[2]

History

[edit]

A dam constructed on this site in 1915 failed on the afternoon of 19 August 1917, due to infiltration into its sandstone foundations. About 1000 people were killed downstream.[3]

A subsequent structure failed in 1970.

Tigra Dam has been constructed on Sank River in 1916. This dam has been constructed in the vicinity of eleven villages. The villagers depend on this dam for their irrigation, drinking and domestic purpose. Moreover, the dam also provides the water required for the drinking purpose in the Gwalior City. After the construction of the dam the area became a suitable habitat for several birds and this area was declared Ghatigaon Wildlife Sanctuary in 1981.

Rebuilt in 1927, the dam is a popular tourist spot, particularly during the months of monsoon when the water level is highest. The plateau in the vicinity is an important catchment area for the reservoir. Water sports, including boating, remains in high demand.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ http://visionmp.com/madhya-pradesh/development/tourism/ Water, retrieved 2011 April 24.
  2. ^ Gopal K. Bhargava, Shankarlal C. Bhatt Land and people of Indian states and union territories. 15. Madhya Pradesh, Kalpaz Publications 2006 ISBN 81-7835-371-7 page 361
  3. ^ Khadg Singh Valdiya, Geology, Environment and Society, Universities Press, 2004 ISBN 81-7371-505-X, page 178
[edit]