When we think about dams, we consider the idea of dams as barriers which control water flow. So what’s special about them and why are they necessary? A visit to the Mallavaram dam in South East India, on a blazing summer day, had me pondering about the speciality and significance of them. Here’s how our trip went ahead…
We started 14km North of the dam, from the city Ongole and we drove through the deserted motorway(mostly unusual in India) out of the city and towards the Gundlakamma reservoir where the dam was located. As we got closer to the reservoir, we observed lots of crop fields on either side of the roads, specifically coconut trees. Nature unveiled itself in a lush green. The vibrant air touched us and the smell of pleasance stroke well within the car. We could hear the village farmers arguing amongst themselves; a few moments later, even those sounds were gone – it was calm.
We reached the Venkateswara Swamy Temple(temple at the site) which had a small parking outside. We parked our car and went inside the Temple first for some mindfulness. Needless to say, every Temple in India is carved out of extravagance. And this wasn’t an exception. The detail and vivid colours were well attained whilst the spiritual sense was open to the atmosphere. It was the perfect place for some meditation.
After our Temple visit, we strolled on the bridge to the dam and encountered some monkeys at the entrance. They can be scary creatures but the simple connection is, if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. Action = Reaction. See what I did there? Newton’s 3rd Law… Never mind.
We entered into what was an extraordinarily proud moment. As we slowed our walking pace, I noticed the massive drawings – not pictures or wallpapers – massive paintings of famous Indian scientists on the walls between each of the dam separators. Whilst the incredible gears and the wonderful chains were clanking my mind, the magnificent artwork touched my heart.
At the Mallavaram dam, every step I took across the bridge, I had two thoughts roaming in my mind. The first one was the necessity of dams.
Dams are important because, as anyone would say, they control the water flow and reduce the chances of floods in important areas. At this specific dam, it’s more than that. The water of the Gundlakamma river originates from the famous Nallamala Hills in the Eastern Ghats of India. Coming from 425m above the Mean Sea Level, this water builds up immense force and requires lots of capacity for a reservoir to capture.
The second thought clicked when I observed the 15 paintings(my count) of the famous Indians including, Mahatma Gandhi(freedom fighter), Srinivasa Ramanujan(extraordinary mathematician) and Kalpana Chawla(first female astronaut). I was beginning to understand just how special the dam was as I recalled those great Indians. The Mallavaram dam is a site where all of these marvellous people confluence and embrace the power of both the precious Gundlakamma water and the mighty stone architecture of the dam. It was especially proud for me as I encountered genius sights one after another continuously.
One complete journey across a bridge of a dam is something I never thought would have such an impact. Recommending this place is easy, and I’d definitely say it’s an evening well spent. It’s not only informative and engaging but it’s also special, divine, beautiful, pleasant and the list goes on. So, go out there and explore the meaning behind Mallavaram. It’s one you’ll definitely cherish.
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