Chogray Reservoir, reservoir in Russia
The Chogray Reservoir is a large artificial lake in southern Russia that stretches about 80 kilometers along the East Manych River, sitting at the border between Stavropol Krai and Kalmykia. The shoreline is surrounded by flat steppe landscape, with calm water that mirrors the sky and grass-lined banks in many places.
Construction began in 1969 and finished in 1973 to provide water for irrigation in this dry region. This project changed local life by making water supply more reliable for farming and helping communities survive during periods of drought.
The name comes from the local area and reflects the geography of this steppe region. Around the water, you can see agricultural channels and pumps that show how residents depend on this source to support their farms and way of life.
The area around the reservoir is flat and easy to walk, with wide views to the horizon in all directions. Visitors should know that wind can be strong here and that agricultural equipment like pumps and irrigation channels are visible throughout, showing how the water is actively used.
In 1976, two massive pumping units weighing over 300 tons each were transported 85 kilometers overland on special trailers after being brought from the Don River. Local residents still remember this engineering feat, which shows how difficult it was to build irrigation systems in this remote area.
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