The height of the dam is 57 m. Its length is 345 m and the total catchment area is 357 Acre.

In 1920, a proposal for constructing a dam with reservoir of 100 million cubic feet water storing capacity across the River Varaganadhi at an estimated cost of Rs.

It was found that there were no hard rocks beneath the proposed site and so the geological department was contacted to offer clearance in this regard.

Dr. M. Karunanidhi, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu paid a visit to the dam site and pace of work accelerated.

The dam reached its maximum capacity and overflowed for the first time on 15.11.2001.