Lake Gregory (Nuwara Eliya)

This article is about the Lake located in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. For other lakes names Gregory, see Lake Gregory.
Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya
Location Nuwara Eliya
Coordinates 6°57′25″N 80°46′48″E / 6.957°N 80.780°E / 6.957; 80.780Coordinates: 6°57′25″N 80°46′48″E / 6.957°N 80.780°E / 6.957; 80.780
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

  1. ↑ "Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya". Sri Lanka Travel Notes. June 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2015.
  2. ↑ Bastiampillai, B (1968). The Administration of Sir William Gregory: Governor of Ceylon, 1872-77. Tisara Prakasakayo. p. 119.
  3. ↑ "Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya". May 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  4. ↑ Blain, W. R. (Ed) (2 April 1992). Marina Technology: Proceedings of the Second International Conference. Southampton, UK: Thomas Telford. pp. 111–124. ISBN 9780727716897.
  5. ↑ Conway, James (1902). Recollections of Sport Among Fin, Fur and Feather. London: Digby, Long, and Co. p. 317.
  6. ↑ Wright, Arnold (1907). Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon: Its History, People, Commerce, Industries, and Resources. Asian Educational Services. p. 267. ISBN 978-812061335-5.
  7. ↑ "D. J. Wimalasurendra : A Great Engineer and Visionary". Sunday Observer. 9 October 2005. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
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