Sangam Barrage

Sangam Barrage is a barrage across the Penna River at Sangam village in SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, about 30 km west of Nellore city. Originally built as the Sangam Anicut in 1886, it was replaced by a modern barrage to regulate irrigation and water supply. The site is notable for its river views, engineering structure, and proximity to the historic Sangameswara Temple at the river confluence.

Visitors can expect a large barrage structure across the wide Penna River with gated shutters, upstream reservoir and downstream river channel. The surroundings are flat agricultural plains with riverine views, especially when water is released. There is a road across the barrage for viewing the river on both sides, open embankments for photography and sightseeing, and the nearby Sangameswara Temple complex at the confluence within walking distance.

The original Sangam Anicut was constructed in 1886 across the Penna River during the British period to provide irrigation to Nellore district under the Penna delta system. Due to ageing and limited storage capacity, the Government of Andhra Pradesh replaced it with a new barrage with modern gates and higher discharge capacity to improve irrigation for about 3.85 lakh acres and stabilize water supply to Nellore and surrounding areas.

The barrage is located at Sangam, named for the confluence of the Penna River with its tributaries, where the ancient Sangameswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated on the riverbank. The temple and river confluence hold religious significance for local visitors and pilgrims, and the barrage area is often visited together with the temple.