92-Year-Old Tank Keeps Gopavaram Glowing With Water
Villagers claim that the tank has remained a reliable water source even during severe drought years.
Kurnool:At a time when even buildings constructed barely two or three decades ago are showing signs of neglect, a 92-year-old tank at Gopavaram village near Proddatur has stood the test of time, continuing to brim with water and serve as a symbol of the village’s collective spirit.
The Gopavaram tank, built in 1934 during the pre-Independence era, spreads across nearly two acres and is believed to be more than 20 feet deep. Located just a short distance from Proddatur town, the tank has become an integral part of the village landscape, with its waters adding a unique charm to Gopavaram.
For generations, the tank was the main source of drinking water for the village. Though residents no longer depend on it for drinking water after the arrival of purified water plants, they continue to protect it with the same care and affection.
An inscription board at the site states that the tank and the Dharma Jalasaya Satram were constructed during the British era under the initiative of Patnam Peddha Sanjanna Shetty. The structure, built with two layers of stone masonry, remains remarkably intact even after nine decades.
The tank was designed with both inlet and outlet channels. Once it reaches full capacity, excess water flows through the outlet into agricultural fields. The tank also helps sustain groundwater levels in the surrounding area for more than two km, according to villagers.
“What makes this tank special is its strong stone construction. There is hardly any sign of leakage anywhere in the structure even after 92 years,” said village resident N Sambanna. He said villagers considered the tank their lifeline and had imposed restrictions on its use.
“We do not allow people to swim here or use the tank for other activities. We consider it our responsibility to protect this water body for future generations,” he said.
The nearby KC Canal also plays a role in replenishing the tank. Whenever water is released into the canal, the tank fills up and the excess water flows through the outlet channel to the fields.
Villagers claim that the tank has remained a reliable water source even during severe drought years.
Gopavaram youth K Kranthi Kumar said the tank had been part of the village’s identity for generations. “We have been seeing this tank since the time of our grandparents and great-grandparents. Our elders protected this water wealth and we are continuing the same tradition. We want the next generation to preserve it in the same way,” he said.
The tank recently attracted the attention of YouTubers and social media content creators.
“People travel long distances searching for locations that look like film sets, while we have such a beautiful place right here in our village,” villagers said.
The calm waters and stone structure give the tank a distinctive character. Villagers and people from nearby areas often spend time on its bund, saying that the peaceful surroundings offer a welcome escape from the bustle of everyday life.
The story of Gopavaram’s tank is also a reminder that community ownership can preserve water resources for generations. At a time when many traditional water bodies are disappearing due to neglect and encroachment, the 92-year-old tank continues to stand as a living example of how collective care can keep a village’s water wealth alive.
