DOWLESWARAM

Sir Arthur Cotton Museum (Barrage Museum)

          Sir Arthur Cotton Museum was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Sri Nadamuri Tarakarama Rao on 25.2.1988 and the Museum is located in the building which was previously under the occupation of Executive Engineer, Godavari Head Works Division Dowleswaram. This museum was started with an intention to educate the people, how the great Engineer Sir Arthur Cotton during those olden days constructed the mighty anicut across Godavari river and converted the lands of East and West Godavari Districts as very fertile. The Museum also narrates the construction of present Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage constructed with the advance engineering skill.

      Lot of Models collected from various places and projects were exhibited in the Museum to attract the visitors, and to make them understand various items connected to Irrigation works. An old anicut model true to its size together with 3 ft. falling shutters, rail track, and plough machine which was originally used for lifting shutters on the anicut. The machinery of various types which were used at the time of construction of anicut (OLD) are also preserved and kept open for viewers. A model drawing depicting 4 arms of the New Barrage, with 3 Head sluices and 3 scour sluices is also an exhibit in the Museum. Sir Arthur Cotton at the entrance and statue of Cotton riding horse and beautiful fountain jalatarali are also feast to the eyes of visitors to the museum. A nominal entry fee of Rs.1.00 per child and Rs.2.00 per Adults and and Rs.5.00 per photography is fixed for visiting the Museum.  

          Even with the above nominal entry fee an amount of Rs.3,000/- per month an average is being realised and Remitted to Government. Beside the above, number of lawns, flower plants, croton plants, and decorative plants, in the garden around the Museum contributes to the pleasant Greenery.

         Probably this is the only Civil Engineering Museum Established and Maintained in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Besides distinguished visitors from Andhra Pradesh. Visitors from other states, and other countries are visiting the museum. This museum is being visited by the students of Engineering Institutions as a part of their Educational tours to understand the Engineering skills available in olden days the commitment of Engineers of yester years and present days also.