Thippagondanahalli Reservoir, Bangalore, Karnataka India

Thippagondanahalli Reservoir, also known as T G Halli Dam or Chamarajsagar, is located at the confluence of the Arkavathy River and Kumudavathi River, 35 km west of Bangalore, India. It is used by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) as a major source of drinking water for western Bangalore. The lake is a man-made reservoir, created by the building of a dam which was inaugurated in 1933. Bharath Rathna Sir M Visvesvaraya supervised the construction work.

Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (TGR), also known as T G Halli Dam or Chamarajsagar, is located at the confluence of the Arkavathy River and Kumudavathi River, 35 km west of Bangalore, India. . The lake is a man-made reservoir, created by the building of a dam, which was inaugurated in 1933. The total extent of TGR catchment is 1453 sq.km and covers parts of Doddaballapur, Nelamangala, Devanahalli, Magadi and Bangalore Taluks. The water body acts as a major source of drinking water for western part of Bangalore supplying up to 125 MLD. TGR is also a popular recreation location, especially during summer months.

However in recent years, the inflow to TGR from the two rivers has been decreasing. The quality of the water has also deteriorated. The study carried out by ISRO in association with IN-RIMT revealed that there are number of industries in the catchment area, whose effluents along with underground leachate and sewage flow into the TGR thus affecting the quality of water. In addition to this the unplanned development in the catchment area, the increasing urbanization has led to alteration in the drainage pattern of the TGR catchment area resulting in reduced inflow into the TGR.  In 2007, the water level of the reservoir has reduced from 54 feet in 2006 to 17 feet and 8 inches today.

In the summer of 2007, the lack of rain in the watershed for the reservoir, along with use of the water for the city (BWSSB typically pumps 35 million litres per day into the western parts of the city.) caused the lake to become nearly dry. Thippagondanahalli is also popular recreation location, especially during summer months. It is located in Magadi road. Best time to visit this place is September to February. 

Thippagondanahalli Reservoir was built across the Arkavathi River (Tributary of Cauvery River) for the purpose of providing irrigational facilities to different regions of the Bangalore City. This reservoir is used by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

The site, otherwise known as Chamarajsagar or TG Halli Dam, acts as a perfect spot for bird watching and picnic. The ideal time for travellers to visit and explore the Thippagondanahalli Reservoir is from September to February.

If time permits, tourists on a trip to Savandurga Hill are recommended to explore the Thippagondanahalli Reservoir that was constructed in 1933. The construction process of this reservoir was supervised by Bharath Rathna Sir M Visvesvarayya.