Lake Gregory (Nuwara Eliya)
Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya | |
---|---|
Location | Nuwara Eliya |
Coordinates | 6°57′25″N 80°46′48″E / 6.957°N 80.780°ECoordinates: 6°57′25″N 80°46′48″E / 6.957°N 80.780°E |
Type | Reservoir |
Basin countries | Sri Lanka |
Built | 1873 |
Surface area | .912 km2 (0.352 sq mi) |
Surface elevation | 1,874 m (6,148 ft) |
Islands | One |
Settlements | Nuwara Eliya |
References | [1] |
Lake Gregory (Sinhalese: ග්රෙගරි වැව) is a reservoir in heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873.[2] The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.
History
The area was originally a swampy bog at the foot of the small hills that border the town. In 1873 Sir William Gregory authorised the damming of the Thalagala stream, which originates from Mount Pidurutalagala,[3] in order to make more land available for the expansion of the town.[4] In 1881 the lake was stocked with trout by Mr C. J. R. Le Mesurier (Assistant Government Agent for Nuwara Eliya).[5][6]
In 1913 the waters of the lake were directed into a tunnel which flows to a hydro power station at 'Blackpool' between the town and Nanu Oya.[7] The power station continues to supply electricity to the town to this day. In British times Lake Gregory was used for water sports and recreational activities.
References
- ↑ "Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya". Sri Lanka Travel Notes. June 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
- ↑ Bastiampillai, B (1968). The Administration of Sir William Gregory: Governor of Ceylon, 1872-77. Tisara Prakasakayo. p. 119.
- ↑ "Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya". May 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
- ↑ Blain, W. R. (Ed) (2 April 1992). Marina Technology: Proceedings of the Second International Conference. Southampton, UK: Thomas Telford. pp. 111–124. ISBN 9780727716897.
- ↑ Conway, James (1902). Recollections of Sport Among Fin, Fur and Feather. London: Digby, Long, and Co. p. 317.
- ↑ Wright, Arnold (1907). Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon: Its History, People, Commerce, Industries, and Resources. Asian Educational Services. p. 267. ISBN 978-812061335-5.
- ↑ "D. J. Wimalasurendra : A Great Engineer and Visionary". Sunday Observer. 9 October 2005. Retrieved 22 November 2015.