- The foundation stone of the Dam was laid by the late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India on 10.12.1955.
- The Nandikonda Project was renamed as Nagarjunasagar Project under the inspiring name of the great Buddhist Savant, Acharaya Nagarjuna and construction commenced from the year 1956.
- Dam construction was completed in the year 1969 and water was first let out partially in the canals during the year 1967. Erection of gates on spillway was completed during the year 1974.
- The Planning Commission appointed the khosla Committee to examine and report on the optimum and most beneficial utilization of Krishna River waters.
- The recommendations of the Committee, which were later endorsed by the Planning Commission in December, 1952, are to construct Nandikonda Dam across Krishna River with full reservoir level at +590.00 feet with canals taking off on either side. Water allocated to the Project is 281 TMC.
- Nagarjunasagar's reservoir, considered the largest man-made lake in the world, accounts for 408 tmcft at full level.
- Families cruise the waters up to Srisailam, 100 kilometres away, to savour the spectacular view of the Nallamala forests on either side of the Krishna.
- It was built at a cost of Rs. 91 crores. At present rates, a dam of this size would have cost over Rs. 30,000 crores.
