Jayakwadi Dam, Aurangabad Maharashtra

Jayakwadi Dam, Aurangabad Overview

One of the largest irrigation projects in Maharashtra, Jayakwadi Dam is a multipurpose project which aims to irrigate drought-prone Marathwada Region and also to provide water for drinking and industrial usage. Built across Godavari River, its height is approximately 41.30 m and length of 9,998 metres with a total storage capacity 2,909 MCM. Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary and Dnyaneshwar Dam in the surrounding area make the dam a perfect site to escape the chaos of city life and reminisce the serenity.

Dnyaneshwar Udyan is one of the largest gardens in Maharashtra resembling the Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. Close to it is the bird sanctuary which is the abode of many resident and migratory birds. For bird lovers and nature buffs, Jayakwadi Dam is surely heaven.

Historical Significance of Jayakwadi Dam

The initial plan was to build a dam across Godavari River in Beed district near the village of Jaikwadi. However, later it was decided to build the dam 100 km upstream at Paithan. The project, which has a storage capacity of 2909 million cubic metres, was named Jayakwadi after the village and the proposal was completed by 1964. The foundation was laid by the then Prime minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri on 18 October 1965 and was inaugurated on 24 February 1976 by the then Prime minister Indira Gandhi. The chief engineer of this project was Mr A.A.A. Siddiqui.

Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary

Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1.25 sq km and houses over 200 species of birds which include more than 70 species of migratory birds. Since the sanctuary is close to Nath Sagar Lake, it provides favourable conditions for aquatic flora and fauna. Notable amongst migratory birds are Cranes, Flamingos, Brahmany Duck, Pochards Teals, Pintails, Wigeon, Shoveller, God Wit, Glossy Ibis, etc.

The aquatic vegetation includes mainly the species of Chara, Spyrogyra, Hydrilla, Potamogeton, Vallisneria etc. An ideal place to escape city life, the sanctuary attracts bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and photographers in huge numbers every year.

Dnyaneshwar Udyan

Jnaneshwar Udyan or Dnyaneshwar Udyan is a garden located in the town of Paithan, 40 km south of Aurangabad in Maharashtra and is similar to the Brindavan Garden in Mysore. Built in the 1970s by the state government adjacent to Nath Sagar Lake, the garden was named after the saint Jnaneshwar, whose native village was near Paithan and it covers an area of 125 hectares.

The highlights of the place include colourful flowerbeds, musical fountains and vast lawns. In addition to this, it has children’s play area, swimming pool, boat rides and a nursey selling spices and saplings. More than a hundred thousand trees and forty thousand fruit trees add to the beauty of the garden.