Parsons Valley Dam, Ooty, Nilgiris
Parsons Valley Dam is situated near Ooty Hill Station in
Ooty Taluk in Nilgiris District of Tamilnadu. Parsons Valley Dam is a Hydel
Reservoir constructed by the Tamil Nadu Government in this region. Placed
within the panoramic Parson's Valley at an altitude of 2,196 meters above sea
level and covering a massive area of 202 hectares, this reservoir serves the
purpose of being the primary source of water supply to the nearby towns of the
Nilgiris District and for decades has been meeting the drinking water needs for
several towns, villages and including the defence establishments that are set
up in Wellington.
Parson's Valley Reservoir and the area surrounding it,
called, the Parson's Valley, is a reserved forest area and therefore to enter
and enjoy a nature walk within, one must obtain prior permission from the State
Forest Department. Placed on the Ooty – Mysore Road, you can either enter this
area from Ooty or from Mysore though it is preferred to go via Ooty. Parson's Valley
is situated in the Mukurthi National Park, a Sanctuary within the Nilgiri
District in Tamil Nadu known for its Water Buffaloes.
Parson's Valley was aptly named after a Parson, who was
a British engineer who happened to discover this valley way back in 1862 and
was instrumental in developing it into what we know today as one of the most
beautiful sites near Ooty from where numerous trekking routes commence. The
Parson's Valley Reservoir and forest area also acts as a natural habitat for
numerous wildlife such as water birds that breed and feed in the water
including panthers and tigers and several others, hence, be extremely cautious
stay within your designated path and not to get too adventurous as unwarranted
situation may call for unforeseen calamities.
The forest around Parsons Valley Reservoir features
uninhibited tall dense trees, crawlers and creepers filled with the sounds of
strange chirping of birds and sometimes an occasional growl of a tiger that
will alert you completely. Bison are a common sight in these parts, however, it
is recommended and imperative not to intimidate them, if you happen to notice
one, and for obvious reasons that does not require an explanation. Apart from
the dense reserved forest land, Parson's Valley also features places where a
number of Tribes still reside and of the many, most are employed by the State
government and owners of local tea estates.
This is the safer section of Parson's Valley where you
can enjoy nature strolls without the fear of an encounter with the wild. This
area is filled with purple hues of rhododendrons trees including scented pine
trees that linger around drifting through the forests of Ooty. This is one of
those few places near Ooty where anyone would not regret visiting owing to the
expanse of scenic exuberance it has to offer. Parson's Valley is also placed at
a short trekking distance from the scenic Mukurthi Peak from where you can
enjoy unforgettable views of the region and also enjoy the sights of the
artificial Mukurthi Lake situated nearby.
This Valley also forms an apt base for short treks or
long trekking expeditions to different sites allowing for many to scout the
heights and unexplored virgin forest areas that is hidden within the majestic
Western Ghats of the Nilgiris. Parsons Valley Reservoir is presently in the
brink of suffering from water shortage mainly due to the erratic South West
Monsoon that is depleting water storage therefore highlighting a source of
concern for the authorities. However, this was resolved with recent rains and
heavy downpour that resulted in the increase of water inflow and thus has
benefited the Parsons Valley Reservoir to a consequential extent.
According to the Municipal Engineer stated that the
Parsons Valley Reservoir held a capacity of up to 16 feet only as opposed to
its usual 50 feet depth a few months ago, however, the rains have brought up
the water level depth from 16 feet to 48 feet and this will serve the purpose
of water supply up till the next summer months. The Parsons Valley Reservoir is
also getting two additional submersible motors over the existing motors to be
soon installed for expediting and keeping buffers to ensure uninterrupted water
supply to the region.
Another improvement to the Parsons Valley Reservoir is
an alternate connection via Kattukuppai since at times the Dam has experienced
disruption in power supply especially from the Sandynalla sub-station (Kamaraj
Sagar Dam) that consequently has affected, at times, in the water supply from
Parsons Valley as well. This alternate connection will help tackle this concern
and the project is in the pipeline.
Another proposal has been submitted to the Government to
connect water supply link for Parsons Valley Reservoir from the 100+ year old Marlimund
Reservoir, known to be the biggest water source for the area until the Parsons
Valley Reservoir was constructed some 37+ years ago to meet the water needs of
a sizable section of the region.
This plan was proposed to initiate a backup plan for
water supply to the Parsons Valley Reservoir in case of shortage of water in
the future. A day trek to the Parsons Valley Reservoir and Parsons Valley is
allowed and definitely a must-do activity, however, venturing into the
undisturbed areas and hiking off-the-beaten track within the reserved forest is
restricted by the Forest Department.
Parsons Valley Dam is located at about 16 Kms from Ooty,
16 Kms from Ooty Bus Stand, 17 Kms from Ooty Railway Station, 36 Kms from Coonoor,
46 Kms from Kotagiri, 67 Kms from Mettupalayam Railway Station, 100 Kms from
Coimbatore and 112 Kms from Coimbatore Airport. Visitors should note that as
the lake is situated in the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, prior permission is
needed from the forest office in Ooty.
Location
