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Jurala Project
Jurala Project
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The Priyadarshini Jurala Project (PJP) or Jurala Project, is a dam on the Krishna River situated about 15 km from Gadwal, Jogulamba Gadwal district, Jurala Project is a dam on the Krishna River situated about 16 km from Atmakur, Wanaparthy district, Telangana, India.

Key Information

History

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The project was completed in 1995.[1]

Jurala hydral project

The project

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The Jurala has a full reservoir level of 1045 ft and has a full capacity of 11.94 TMC.[2] but recently the project filled with huge silt so its capacity reduced less than 7 TMC.[3][4] As of August 2013, the project has an estimated capacity of 9.74 TMC. The Jurala Project was completed in 1995

The power projects constructed and maintained by Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Ltd. The project was designed by Shri. SRIPATHI SRINIVAS REDDY

Statistics

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  • Minimum draw down level (MDDL)(m): 314.86
  • Nearest city: Gadwal, Telangana
  • Gross storage capacity (MCM): 338.103189
  • Live storage capacity (MCM): 192.27
  • Design flood (cumec): 35396.05
  • Type of spillway: Ogee
  • Length of spillway (m): 927
  • Type of dam: Earthen + masonry
  • Type of spillway gates: Radial
  • Purpose of dam: Multi-purpose, irrigation, hydroelectric
  • Number of spillway gates: 79
  • Year of completion: 1996
  • Size of spillway gates (m*m): 12M x 8.516M
  • Catchment area (Th ha): 12949.9
  • Length of dam (m): 4534
  • Land affected- Culturable (Th ha) 04.6555112
  • Maximum height above foundation (m): 40[5]
  • Full reservoir level (m): 318.52[3]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jurala Project

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Priyadarshini Jurala Project, commonly known as the Jurala Project, is a multipurpose dam constructed on the in , , , primarily for and hydroelectric power generation. Completed in 1995, the project features a with a full capacity of 11.94 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) at a level of 1,045 feet, enabling it to store water for agricultural use in drought-prone regions. The project's irrigation infrastructure includes left and right main canals that directly benefit 1,04,774 acres of farmland, with additional supplementation for 30,000 acres in tail-end areas and contributions to larger schemes such as the Jurala Nagarjuna Sagar Left (2,00,000 acres), the Ramanpad Balancing (6,824 acres), the Rayalaseema Branch Left (2,00,000 acres), and the Krishna South Lanka (50,250 acres). Its hydroelectric component, commissioned in 2008, consists of six 39 MW turbines with a total installed capacity of 234 MW, operated under the ownership of Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited. The facility's design also supports flood control, with a maximum discharge capacity of 35,396 cubic meters per second, serving as a critical resource in the basin's catchment area of 129,499 square kilometers.

Background and Overview

Location and Geography

The Priyadarshini Jurala Project is situated at 16°20′15″N 77°42′15″E, near Revulapally village in Dharoor mandal of , , . The site lies approximately 15 km northwest of town and 10 km from Kuravapur village. This location places the project in a semi-arid region of southern , accessible via National Highway 44 connecting major cities like Hyderabad (about 170 km northeast) and (about 100 km southeast). The project is constructed across the , which forms part of a major interstate river basin spanning , , , and , governed by water-sharing agreements among these states. The catchment area contributing to the project measures 129,499 square kilometers, with contributions primarily from upstream areas in (54%) and (43%), and a smaller portion from (3%). Positioned upstream from the , the Jurala site receives inflows from major upstream reservoirs such as Almatti and Narayanpur in , facilitating regulated flow through the basin. The topography of the area features the undulating terrain of the , an expansive with elevations averaging 600 meters above sea level and characterized by basaltic rock formations that provide stable foundations for hydraulic structures. This plateau landscape, sloping gently eastward toward the , influenced by offering narrow river gorges and resistant geology suitable for construction in the . The surrounding region includes scrublands and dry deciduous forests, typical of the plateau's with seasonal monsoons shaping the river's course.

Purpose and Significance

The Priyadarshini Jurala Project is a multipurpose initiative primarily aimed at , hydroelectric power generation, and flood control along the in . It provides to a direct ayacut of 102,200 acres (41,360 hectares) through its Left Main Canal (N.T.R. Canal) covering 64,500 acres in and Right Main Canal (Nalla Somanadri Canal) covering 37,700 acres in and districts, primarily in the and adjacent areas. The project also generates 234 MW of hydroelectric power via six units of 39 MW each, harnessing surplus flows for clean energy production. Additionally, it facilitates flood control by accommodating peak discharges of up to 35,390 cubic meters per second (12.5 cusecs), helping to mitigate downstream flooding risks during heavy rains. The project's significance lies in bolstering water security for , especially in the drought-prone regions of and adjacent and districts, such as the mandals of Dharur, , Atmakur, Pebbair, and , where erratic rainfall has historically challenged agricultural productivity. With an allocation of 17.84 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Krishna water under the and a gross storage capacity of 11.94 TMC, it ensures a dependable supply for rabi and kharif crops, including paddy, , and pulses, thereby stabilizing food production and rural economies in these arid zones. This allocation supports not only direct but also downstream lift schemes like the Jawahar Nettempadu and Rajiv Bhima projects, extending benefits to over 400,000 additional acres indirectly. In the broader political and developmental landscape, the Jurala Project underscores 's strategic interests in the ongoing inter-state Krishna water disputes between and , particularly regarding hydel power utilization from shared reservoirs post-2014 bifurcation. A 1978 agreement between the erstwhile and fixed the project's full reservoir level at 318.516 meters, affirming its role in equitable water sharing under the tribunal's framework. Developmentally, it has transformed local by enabling year-round cultivation and providing to nearby villages (0.2 TMC), fostering socioeconomic growth and reducing migration from water-stressed areas.

History and Development

Planning and Initiation

The planning for the Priyadarshini Jurala Project originated in the 1970s under the as part of efforts to harness waters for and in drought-prone regions. The project was first proposed during the proceedings of the (KWDT-I), established in 1973 to resolve interstate water sharing among , , and . In its submissions to the tribunal, included the Jurala Project (Stage I) with an allocation of 17.84 TMC of water, contributing to the state's overall claim of 800 TMC from waters. The tribunal's final award in 1976 granted 811 TMC, incorporating the Jurala allocation as a key multipurpose component for downstream regulation and utilization. Interstate coordination advanced the project in the late 1970s, with a pivotal meeting on October 3, 1977, addressing the constitution of the Jurala Project, including specifications for its full reservoir level (FRL) and maximum water level (MWL). This led to a formal agreement signed between the governments of and on August 4, 1978, establishing the FRL/MWL at +318.516 meters to ensure equitable water sharing and minimize cross-border impacts. Key stakeholders encompassed the Irrigation Department as the lead agency, alongside the (CWC), which provided technical appraisal and oversight during the pre-construction phase. The CWC examined the detailed project configuration in 1982, confirming its feasibility for irrigating approximately 48,603 hectares annually while generating 234 MW of . Funding for the project was secured through allocations from both state and budgets, with the initial estimated cost set at Rs. 76.40 crores to cover , land acquisition, and preparatory works. Environmental clearances were obtained as per standard protocols for interstate river projects, involving assessments by the Ministry of Environment and Forests to address potential ecological impacts in the Krishna basin. Planning addressed concerns from the high sediment load in the by incorporating provisions for long-term capacity loss. Subsequently, actual has reduced the gross storage from the designed 11.94 TMC to 9.657 TMC as of 2016. These adjustments underscored the emphasis on resilient amid hydrological uncertainties.

Construction Timeline

The construction of the Priyadarshini Jurala Project commenced in 1981 at an estimated cost of Rs. 76.40 crores, aimed at providing to drought-affected areas in the region. The foundation stone was laid by then , underscoring the project's national significance. The project involved multiple phases, including the erection of earthen dams on the left (1.74 km long) and right (1.47 km long) flanks, construction of a 1,322 m long masonry barrage, and installation of a featuring 62 radial gates. Hydroelectric components were integrated to generate 234 MW of power, with the powerhouse forming a key part of the infrastructure. Significant delays plagued the project, including a 9-year halt in construction activities due to unspecified factors, which contributed to funding challenges and cost escalations; the budget was later revised to Rs. 1,815.20 crores by 2012-13. These setbacks extended the overall timeline, with major work resuming in the early 1990s. The irrigation components were finalized in 1995, allowing the to reach operational status with a capacity of 11.94 TMC. The structure was completed in 1996, enabling first impoundment. The hydroelectric facilities were commissioned in , achieving full functionality. Following the bifurcation of and the formation of in 2014, the project—located entirely within —underwent asset division processes and was fully transferred to the Telangana Irrigation Department by 2016. In 2014, prior to full asset division, and signed a to share the project's 234 MW hydroelectric output, formalizing power allocation.

Technical Specifications

Dam and Spillway Design

The Priyadarshini Jurala Project is a composite comprising an earthen embankment flanked by a central masonry barrage, designed to impound the while accommodating multipurpose functions. The central barrage section stands at a maximum height of 40 meters above the deepest foundation and measures 1,322 meters in between abutments, including 927 meters dedicated to the and 162 meters for power blocks. Including the earthen embankments on both flanks—1.74 kilometers on the left and 1.47 kilometers on the right—the total of the extends to 4,534 meters. The , integral to the barrage, features an profile for efficient flow over the crest at +310 meters, equipped with 62 each 12 meters wide by 8.516 meters high. This configuration enables a maximum discharge capacity of 35,396 cubic meters per second (approximately 12.5 cusecs), ensuring safe routing of extreme inflows during monsoons. Key design considerations emphasize structural resilience in a seismically active region classified under Zone II, with the composite materials and foundations engineered to withstand moderate intensities as per Indian standards. measures incorporate a stilling basin downstream of the spillway to dissipate hydraulic energy and prevent scour on the riverbed, while the earthen embankments include drainage galleries (1.50 meters by 2.25 meters) to manage seepage and maintain . The project does not integrate a lock, focusing instead on and power generation priorities.

Reservoir Characteristics

The Priyadarshini Jurala reservoir maintains a full reservoir level (FRL) of 318.52 meters and a minimum drawdown level (MDDL) of 314.86 meters, defining the operational range for water storage. These elevations ensure structural stability while accommodating seasonal fluctuations in water volume. The dam's height contributes to this vertical storage profile, enabling effective containment of inflows. Storage capacities include a gross volume of 338.103 million cubic meters (MCM) at FRL, with live storage of 192.27 MCM available for utilization above the MDDL. Originally designed for a total capacity of 11.94 thousand million cubic feet (TMC), has reduced the effective gross capacity to 9.657 TMC as of recent evaluations. This adjustment reflects cumulative deposition from upstream sources, progressively diminishing usable storage and necessitating periodic surveys for capacity updates. Hydrological dynamics are dominated by inflows from the upstream Srisailam reservoir, which regulate water supply to Jurala based on Krishna basin allocations and monsoon-driven releases. Inflow patterns exhibit peaks during the June-to-September monsoon period, when heavy rainfall over the 129,499 square kilometer catchment area generates flood discharges up to 35,396 cubic meters per second. Sedimentation further influences water balance by trapping sediments in the reservoir, while evaporation—prominent in the semi-arid Deccan plateau climate—contributes to non-recoverable losses, though specific rates vary with surface area and meteorological conditions. These factors collectively shape the reservoir's role in downstream water management.

Hydroelectric Components

The hydroelectric power house at the Priyadarshini Jurala Project is equipped with an installed capacity of 234 MW, consisting of six generating units each rated at 39 MW. This setup operates as a run-of-river scheme augmented by pondage from the upstream , enabling efficient utilization of the Krishna River's flow for power generation. Key mechanical components include six bulb-type turbine-generator units, supplied by , which are optimized for the site's low-head conditions with a net head of approximately 21 meters. Water from the reservoir is directed to these turbines via penstocks, whose civil construction formed an integral part of the power house development. The turbines drive synchronous generators that convert into electrical power at 11 kV, suitable for the project's scale. The electrical infrastructure features a switchyard for stepping up voltage to 220 kV for transmission integration into the grid, ensuring reliable power evacuation. This configuration supports flexible operation, allowing the facility to respond to fluctuations in levels for sustained generation.

Operations and Impacts

Irrigation and Water Management

The Priyadarshini Jurala Project supports across an ayacut of 102,200 acres (41,360 hectares) primarily through its left and right bank systems, benefiting drought-prone areas in (now encompassing Jogulamba Gadwal, , and districts). The left main (N.T.R. Canal) irrigates 64,500 acres, while the right main (Nalla Somanadri Canal) covers 37,700 acres, with additional stabilization provided to approximately 30,000 acres of tail-end ayacut in the RDS project via a link from the right main . The canal systems are designed for efficient water distribution, with the left main canal extending 85.277 kilometers at a bed width of 21 , a full supply depth of 1.95 , and a discharge capacity of 41.34 cubic per second; the right main canal runs 50.027 kilometers with a bed width of 21 , full supply depth of 1.90 , and discharge capacity of 20.80 cubic per second. Water management involves allocating 17.84 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water for , supplemented by 0.2 TMC for purposes, with releases scheduled seasonally to align with kharif () and rabi (winter) cropping patterns, ensuring rotational supply to command areas through branch and networks. These practices prioritize equitable flow to tail-end fields, monitored by the Department to optimize utilization in the project's command area. The project integrates with downstream initiatives, such as the reservoir, by channeling surplus releases that support broader water distribution networks along the basin. The reservoir's gross storage capacity of 9.66 TMC facilitates these controlled irrigation releases, maintaining steady supplies during operational phases. Challenges in irrigation management include periodic water scarcity during low-inflow years, exacerbated by sedimentation reducing effective storage and variable monsoon patterns affecting release volumes. Following the 2014 bifurcation of , equitable distribution has been complicated by ongoing interstate disputes over Krishna water shares, leading to legal proceedings before the and occasional shortfalls in allocations for Telangana's projects like Jurala.

Power Generation and Performance

The Priyadarshini Jurala Hydroelectric Project, with an installed capacity of 234 MW, is operated by the Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGENCO) and contributes to the state's grid as a run-of-the-river facility designed for peaking power support. Since its full commissioning in the late , the project has been integrated into TSGENCO's portfolio, providing flexible dispatch to meet diurnal and seasonal demand variations in 's power system. In the fiscal year 2024-25, the project achieved an actual generation of 344.49 million units (MU), surpassing its target of 330 MU by 4.39% and representing approximately 85% utilization of its design energy of 404 MU. This output underscores the facility's role in TSGENCO's overall hydro performance, where the corporation exceeded its collective generation target by 43% across its stations. The project's average operating availability stood at 78.40% for the year, influenced by planned maintenance accounting for 21.60% of downtime and miscellaneous non-availability averaging 20.72% across units. Notable downtime records included a full-year outage of 8,760 hours for Unit 3 due to a stator issue and 2,592 hours for Unit 6 stemming from a runner problem, with no forced outages reported. The facility has supported peak load management in , contributing up to its full 234 MW during high-demand periods to balance thermal-heavy generation and reduce reliance on imports. Post-2016, enhancements in operational protocols under TSGENCO, including better inflow forecasting and unit synchronization, have improved dispatch efficiency, aligning with the state's push for renewable integration amid growing peak demands of 15,000-16,000 MW. In July 2025, heavy inflows of 1.08 cusecs prompted the opening of 19 gates, releasing 1.04 cusecs downstream for flood control, which temporarily prioritized water management over sustained generation at the six-unit powerhouse.

Environmental and Social Effects

The Priyadarshini Jurala Project has significantly altered the local through in its , which has reduced the storage capacity from an original 11.94 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) to 9.66 TMC, representing a 19% loss primarily due to accumulation from upstream and agricultural runoff. This not only shortens the 's useful life but also disrupts downstream , leading to riverbed and altered habitats for benthic organisms. As of June 2025, desiltation works are underway to restore the 's full capacity. Changes in river flow regimes below the dam have impacted aquatic biodiversity, with reduced seasonal flooding causing from buildup, which depletes dissolved oxygen levels and promotes algal blooms harmful to native species such as and . like Prosopis juliflora have proliferated in the reservoir's drawdown zones, outcompeting native and exacerbating for terrestrial including deer and wild boars, while increasing human-wildlife conflicts in adjacent areas. On a positive note, the project's regulation capacity has mitigated downstream flooding during the 2025 monsoon season, where controlled outflows from heavy inflows prevented severe inundation in basin communities. Socially, the project displaced approximately 8,645 individuals during its construction phase, leading to challenges in rehabilitation and loss of traditional livelihoods tied to riverine and . However, benefits have enhanced across over 104,000 acres in the command area, stabilizing farmer incomes and reducing drought vulnerability for downstream communities in and surrounding districts. The reservoir's scenic landscape has also fostered potential, attracting visitors for recreational activities and boosting local economies through related services. Mitigation efforts include programs in the to curb and siltation, as outlined in the project's environmental management plan, alongside recommendations for protected zones to preserve . Although fish ladders are not specifically implemented at the site, broader river basin strategies emphasize flow management to support migratory species. The Irrigation Department, in coordination with environmental authorities, conducts ongoing monitoring of and , with post-2020 assessments highlighting the need for enhanced measures against variable monsoons.

References

  1. https://krmb.gov.in/html/project4.html
  2. https://gadwal.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/jurala-dam/
  3. https://www.power-technology.com/data-insights/power-plant-profile-priyadarshini-jurala-india/
  4. https://mapcarta.com/W244894492
  5. https://krmb.gov.in/krmb/aboutUs
  6. https://telanganatoday.com/surge-in-inflows-at-telanganas-jurala-project-as-upper-catchment-areas-of-krishna-basin-receive-heavy-rainfall
  7. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/346391468041671563/pdf/IPP3250v10Box3110095401PUBLIC10vol1.pdf
  8. https://cwc.gov.in/sites/default/files/16-history-irrigation-development-andhra-pradesh.pdf
  9. https://irrigation.telangana.gov.in/img/projectspdf/pjp.pdf
  10. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/040617/with-no-pact-telangana-andhra-pradesh-to-draw-more-water.html
  11. https://www.cwc.gov.in/sites/default/files/KWDT-I_1973%20_volume2.pdf
  12. https://indiawris.gov.in/wiki/doku.php?id=volume-iii
  13. https://www.rsdebate.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/377562/1/PQ_123_11081982_U2767_p141_p142.pdf
  14. https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-07-28/Silt-shrinks-Jurala-storage/245130
  15. https://wanaparthy.telangana.gov.in/about-district/
  16. https://cwc.gov.in/sites/default/files/sedimentation-assessment-priyadarshini-jurala-reservoir-through-srssep20.pdf
  17. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/state-inks-landmark-power-purchase-2194221
  18. https://seismo.gov.in/MIS/riseq/interactive/index/RkVhajdmUzhEa1JQWjZWTGE5TUlzZz09/Reviewed
  19. https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/pjp-dam-holding-strong-at-87-capacity-focus-on-power-generation-976526
  20. https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/hpi/2024/06/All_India_Hydro_Potential_Profile.pdf
  21. https://www.power-technology.com/marketdata/priyadarshini-jurala-india/
  22. http://www.varksengineers.com/varks/completed.html
  23. https://krmb.gov.in/uploadedFiles/annualReport/AR2021-22English-FINAL.pdf
  24. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/180721/with-krishna-surging-jurala-lifts-five-gates.html
  25. https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-let-down-again-in-krishna-river-water-sharing-with-andhra-pradesh
  26. https://cea.nic.in/wp-content/uploads/annual_hydro/2024/Review_Book_2024_25_.pdf
  27. https://telangana.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Telangana-State-Power-Sector-White-Paper.pdf
  28. https://tgtransco.com/it_uploads/TransATP202526.pdf
  29. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/19-gates-of-jurala-project-opened-to-release-104-lakh-cusecs-of-water-1892582
  30. https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/government-prioritizes-irrigation-restoration-of-old-projects-and-boost-to-water-security-says-minister-uttam-kumar-reddy-983530
  31. https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol12-issue11/1211230234.pdf
  32. https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/heavy-inflows-boost-water-levels-at-pjp-dam-and-almatti-reservoir-authorities-regulate-outflows-to-prevent-flooding-987298
  33. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/8/AS171.pdf?source=pqals
  34. https://www.tripgoeson.com/place/Priyadarshini%2BJurala%2BProject/1062
  35. https://tgpcb.cgg.gov.in/Uploads/PcbDocumentAllUploads/PalamuruLiftIrrigationSchemeVikarabadDistrict-MIN.pdf
  36. https://irrigation.telangana.gov.in/uploadedFiles/circ2180.pdf
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