Markonahalli Dam is built across the river Shimsha in the Kunigal Taluk of Tumkur district. It was built by Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, the king of Mysore, under the guidance of his Diwan, Sir M Visweswaraiah. It was built to irrigate 6,070 hectares of land and has a masonry structure of 139 m and a pair of earth dams extending to 1,470 metres on either side.
The reservoir has a catchment area of 4,103 km2 (1,584 sq mi) and can hold a volume of 68 million m³ of water at a full reservoir level of 731.57 m above the mean sea level.
As many as 27 species of fish, including 13 species of commercial fish have been recorded in the reservoir, with Puntius being the dominant species. Labeo calbasu and Cirrhinus Reba and other transplanted carps are also found here. However, the dam is maintained poorly. In 2000, a part of the dam had to be demolished to prevent floods and save 25 villages.
Water started overflowing the dam, and only one crest gate could be opened. Nearly 150 feet of the dam was demolished to allow excess water to flow out.
Markonahalli Dam – A Popular Fishery
Twenty-seven species of fishes have been recorded from the reservoir, among which 13 contribute to the commercial catch. Puntius has the maximum species diversity with five species.
Even after 55 years of its existence, the reservoir sustains populations of indigenous fish species such as P. Dorsalis, Puntius Sarana, Labeo calbasu and Cirrhinus reba along with the transplanted carps. The fishery management should address the problems in enhancing the productivity of endemic fishes and the stocking should be limited to the extent of filling the vacant niches.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
There are plenty of tourist attractions near the Markonahalli Dam in Tumkur. They have several temples, forts and forests that can be visited. Other than these one can choose to explore various tourist attractions, some of which are listed below:
- Pavagada Fort
- Shiva Ganga Hill – Has two temples
- Devarayanadurga state forest
- Devarayanadurga hill station
- Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Swamy Temple
- Aralguppe – One of the oldest temples of Karnataka
Resorts and Hotels nearby Markonahalli Dam
Markonahalli has many resorts and hotels where you can enjoy the beauty and culture of the region. There are resorts and hotels to suit everybody. Mostly, budget hotels and some luxury hotels are also available.
Contact numbers of some of the resorts are listed below:
Hotel Vyshak International
No. 19,
Subbaiah Road Kuvempunagar,
Tumkur- 572103
Phone Number: +91-99458-02991
Woodlands Hotel
Address BH Road,
Railway Station Road,
Tumkur – 572101
Phone: +91-0816-2281-555
Also see,
- About Tumkur
- Dams in Karnataka
- Rivers in Karnataka
- When will residents of Markonahalli Dam go online?