Polgolla Barrage, Hydroelectric barrage in Kandy District, Sri Lanka
The Polgolla Barrage is a concrete dam that spans the Mahaweli River and controls water flow through ten spillway gates. It feeds water downstream to the power station that generates electricity for the region.
This barrage was completed in 1970 as part of a major river development program for the Mahaweli River. It marked an important step in expanding hydroelectric power and irrigation across central Sri Lanka.
The water supply from this structure supports fishing practices and sustains agriculture across the surrounding region. Local communities depend on the regulated flow for their traditional way of farming and daily livelihoods.
This structure can be viewed from the nearby road, though access to the site itself is limited due to the terrain. Visitors should ask locals about the best vantage points, as there are no designated viewing areas.
The water released from this barrage flows into a separate river system that connects multiple reservoirs before eventually joining the main river again. This downstream journey shows how the water network integrates several major storage areas across the landscape.
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