Stanley Reservoir, Water reservoir in Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India
The Stanley Reservoir is a dam across the Cauvery River in Salem District, Tamil Nadu. The structure creates a large body of water that serves both agricultural and power generation purposes through connected facilities.
Construction took place between 1925 and 1934, and the structure was named after Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Frederick Stanley, Governor of Madras. Its completion represented a turning point in regional water management.
The reservoir is central to the identity of the region, shaped by the relocation of two villages to make way for its creation. Local communities adapted to their new settlements and developed a relationship with the water that defines life here.
The reservoir is best visited during or just after monsoon season when water levels are higher. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for limited facilities in the surrounding area.
Three minor rivers—the Palar, Chennar, and Thoppar—flow into the Cauvery above the dam and contribute significantly to the water supply. These tributaries shape the seasonal rhythm and hydrology of the entire reservoir system.
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