Kakkayam

About Kakkayam

Kozhikode Kakkayam, also known as Kakkayam Dam, is a hydroelectric project on the Periyar River in Kerala, India. The project is located in the Kozhikode district, about north of Kozhikode city. The Kakkayam Dam was completed in 1979. The main purpose of the dam is to provide hydroelectric power, with a generating capacity of of power. The dam also provides water for irrigation and drinking water to the people of Kozhikode district. The Kakkayam Hydroelectric Project consists of the Kakkayam Dam, the Kakkayam Power House, and the Kakkayam Canal. The Kakkayam Dam is a masonry gravity dam with a height of and a length of . The dam withholds a reservoir with a capacity of . The Kakkayam Power House is a hydroelectric power station with three turbines, each with a capacity of , for a total generating capacity of . The Kakkayam Canal is a long canal that diverts water from the Kakkayam Reservoir to the power house. The Kakkayam Hydroelectric Project was originally proposed in the early 1960s, but was not completed until 1979. The original cost of the project was Rs. 15 crore, but it has since been expanded and the cost has increased to Rs. 190 crore. The Kakkayam Hydroelectric Project has been controversial due to its impact on the environment. The project has flooded an area of of forest land, and has displaced about 1,500 people. The Kakkayam Hydroelectric Project is operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board.