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Mahagallaka reservoir (today known as Nachchaduwa reservoir) is considered to be one of the sixteen large reservoirs built by King Mahasen (276-303). Nachchaduwa lies just outside the city of Anuradhapura . Centuries later King Dhatusena (459-477) built a canal (Jayaganga) to bring water to this reservoir from Kalawewa. This reservoir is considered to be a bold scheme since huge flood water with very high velocity could come down the valley. The great chronicle Mahavamsa probably makes another reference to this reservoir during the time of King Moggallana II (535-555).
It is said that King Moggallana II, who lived 300 years later built Passapatanavapi reservoir by damming the Kadamba river (Malwathu Oya). This description matches well with Nachchaduwa. It is possible that Moggallana II could have expanded the work of Mahasen.
Nachchaduwa Wewa has three sluices to control its water levels. The main sluice is located near the southern end of the bund and releases water mainly to Tissa Wewa . The other two sluices release water to Nuwara Wewa .
Accrding to H. Parker, Ancient Ceylon, “It was a bold scheme as floods estimated to amount to 11,000 cu ft per second were to be expected and there was no suitable rock over which they could be allowed to flow, but it was carried out successfully”
In 1906 the Irrigation Department took the responsibility to restore the reservoir which was ruined in the past. The Department also took further effort in 1917 by improving the reservoir’s capacity. In 1957 the Great Flood caused severe damage to the reservoir , nevertheless in 1958 the rehabilitation work was completed. Today it receives water from the Mahaweli System. The reservoir covers 1200 hectares ( 12 sq. kilometers) at full capacity.
Specifications of Nachchaduwa Wewa
| Catchment | 623 Sq. Km. |
| Length of Dam | 1,646 m |
| Height of Dam | 11 m |
| Capacity | 55.7 millions cu. m |
mahavamsa.org
Also See
- Hydro Heritage of Sri Lanka
- Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
- Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity
Map of the Nachchaduwa Wewa
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Traveling Directions to Nachchaduwa Wewa
| Route from Anuradhapura Town to Nachchaduwa Wewa |
| Through : Distance : 21 km Travel time : 30 minutes Driving directions : see on google map |
