A Centaury of Gratitude for a Construction Engineer for building a DAM

John Pennycuick: The Visionary Behind the Mullaiperiyar Dam

In the late 19th century, John Pennycuick embarked on an ambitious project that would alter the landscape and fortunes of the Madras Province of British India, now split into several states in India. Pennycuick's dedication and engineering prowess were instrumental in the construction of the Mullaiperiyar Dam, an enduring testament to human ingenuity and resolve.

The Great Madras Famine

In 1876, Madras Province was ravaged by a severe famine, exacerbated by drought. The famine persisted for two years, claiming over a million lives in the province and nearly 10 million across the subcontinent. Amidst this calamity, Pennycuick and his colleagues in the Madras Corps of Engineers identified a solution to alleviate both drought and flood conditions—diverting the Periyar River to the east, feeding the parched Vaigai River.

Conceptualizing the Dam

The idea of diverting the Periyar River was not novel. It had been proposed by Muthu Irulappa Pillai and later supported by Captain James Caldwell in 1808 and Major Joseph Gore Ryves in 1862. However, it wasn't until John Pennycuick's involvement that the project gained momentum. Pennycuick, alongside R. Smith, initially proposed a gravity dam in 1874. After overcoming several bureaucratic hurdles, including rejections and revisions, the plan for a rubble-and-concrete dam was approved in 1882.

Engineering Feat

Pennycuick's dam was a marvel of its time. Spanning 175 feet high in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, it required extraordinary logistical efforts. Construction began in 1887 and involved over 3,000 laborers working under harsh conditions. The work was perilous, with many workers succumbing to diseases like cholera and malaria, and attacks by wildlife. Despite these challenges, the dam was completed and opened in 1895.

Impact and Legacy

The Mullaiperiyar Dam successfully diverted water from the Periyar River to the Vaigai River, transforming the agricultural landscape of several districts in the Madras Province. The project not only alleviated the recurring droughts but also facilitated the creation of new districts and enhanced agricultural productivity. However, the dam's impact extends beyond irrigation. It led to the formation of the Periyar National Park, a significant biodiversity hotspot in present-day Kerala.

Pennycuick's Personal Sacrifice

Although folklore suggests that Pennycuick sold his property and his wife's jewels to fund the dam, his great-grandson, Stuart Sampson, refutes this claim. Nonetheless, Pennycuick's commitment to the project and the welfare of the region is undisputed. His efforts have earned him a revered place among the farmers of Tamil Nadu, who celebrate "Pennycuick Pongal" to honor his contributions.

Pennycuick's legacy endures in Tamil Nadu, where he is venerated almost like a deity. His portraits adorn homes, shops, and government offices, and many children are named after him. The local community celebrates his birthday, reflecting their deep gratitude for his life-changing contribution. In 2022, the Tamil Nadu government honored his legacy by gifting a statue of Pennycuick to his hometown of Camberley, England.