Karnataka is as diverse a land as diversity can get. The region’s landscape has think green forests, water falls, beautiful beaches, lofty hills, rivers, vast plain lands to dams. When it comes to dams, there are many dams built across rivers in Karnataka. If in South Karnataka, it is Krishna Raja Sagara dam built across River Cauvery, in North Karnataka it is Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Dam built across Krishna. LBS dam is the largest dam in the entire Karnataka, irrigation wise.
Lal Bahadur Shastri Dam is situated at Alamatti of Vijayapura District. It is a Dam built across Krishna River in North Karnataka. The annual energy design is 713 million units, and was completed in July 2005. This dam is the main reservoir of the Upper Krishna, an irrigation project. The 290 MW power project is located on the right toe of Almatti Dam. The Power House has 5 units of 55 MW each and 1 unit of 15 MW. The turbines are vertical kaplan. The project, when allotted for private initiative was estimated to cost Rs 1470 Crore. Subsequently, KPCL took up the project at an estimated cost of Rs. 674 Crore and completed the project at a cost of Rs. 520 Crore in a period of 40 months by July 2005.
Like almost every dam, this too has a beautiful garden. Lava – Kusha garden is role-models old united Vijayapura District. Musical fountain at this garden attracts many visitors. The resort opened at the rear side of the dam opens to a fantastic view of River Krishna. During rainy season, the dam gates are opened, and it seems like milk flushing out at once.
In the coming days, there is a plan to set up water park, which will surely be an added attraction.
Vijayapura, Kudalasangama, Shivayogi Mandira, and Aihole are some of the places nearby that one can visit during Alamatti trip. The best time to visit the dam is October to March.
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