While the water is the most
abundant liquid found on the earth, a severe shortage of potable water for
human consumption and for the agricultural purposes continue to exist and
threaten us. The grand plan of the barrage across Godavari envisaged by Sir
Arthur Thomas Cotton (a British engineer, 1803-99)
transformed large areas of hitherto drought lands cultivable. ”Cotton dora” is
often portrayed sitting on a horseback and revered as godly
figure by the locals.
A small museum was created at
a colonial building close to the barrage. The heavy duty machineries like air
compressors, steam boilers, drilling equipment used at the times of
constructing the barrage were kept as exhibits. Many maps /models copiously
labelled with names of irrigation projects, localities and pilgrim centres are displayed.
There are many table top models explaining the flow of river Godavari from its
origin to the downstream where it empties to the ocean. There are valuable
collection of photographs/ models of dams, bridges and aqueducts in the Godavari
districts and its surrounding areas built during British period and also few from
the recent past.
My poor knowledge on the
topography of the areas had been my greatest handicap in understanding three
dimensional maps and models.
There were numerous portraits of Sir Cotton inside the gallery done by Andhra sculptors/ artists, but I felt sad that none of them were in Victorian style.
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| Iron cart for carrying loads |
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| Steam boiler |
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| Rivit Hole Punching Machine. |
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| Grinding Wheel for sharpening tools |
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| A metal label on a machine. |
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| Core drill |
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| Steam boiler |
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| Air compressor |
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| Museum building, my cousin Mr. V.Subrahmanyam(standing) who had taken me to this spot on his car. |
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| Prince of wales coat of arms, satyameva jayate on pedestal |
