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Who Gives a Dam: The Periyar River Project and the Legacy of John Pennycuick

＂Who Gives a Dam＂ delves into the extraordinary story behind one of the most ambitious engineering marvels in India-harnessing the mighty Periyar River across the Western Ghats. This monumental task, spearheaded by Colonel John Pennycuick, showcases the triumph of innovation, resilience, and leadership in the face of natural and bureaucratic adversities.

Pennycuick’s vision extended beyond mere irrigation. He foresaw the potential of the Periyar Dam not only to provide perennial water to the plains of southern India but also to lay the groundwork for electricity generation-an astonishing foresight for the time. The project faced enormous challenges, including the savage river’s wrath, environmental hazards, and daunting bureaucratic hurdles in Madras (now Chennai).

The construction of the masonry dam was a perilous endeavor, with numerous setbacks, including fatal accidents and diseases that delayed progress. Yet, through sheer determination and pioneering engineering techniques, the Periyar Dam was completed, standing as a testament to human ingenuity.

Today, the Periyar Dam remains one of the world’s most significant hydrological projects, enduring extreme floods caused by climate change. It continues to benefit millions in Tamil Nadu, honoring the legacy of John Pennycuick, who is celebrated annually on his birthday.

Featuring rare historical photographs taken during the dam’s eight-year construction, this book brings to life the challenges and triumphs of the Periyar River Project. These images, provided by Stuart Sampson, Pennycuick’s great-grandson, vividly capture the project’s arduous journey and its ultimate success.

Dive into the remarkable history of the Periyar Dam and discover how it transformed the landscape and lives in southern India.