NGK
Civil Engineer

N. G. Krishna Murti

Born 10 February 1910 · verify — Died 24 February 1995

Led the implementation of the Koyna Hydroelectric Project in India.

Nori Gopala Krishna Murti was an Indian civil engineer, known for his contributions for the implementation of Koyna Hydroelectric Project. He was the chairman of Bhakra Dam Management Board and the vice-chairman of the International Congress on Large Dams. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, in 1963. He received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, in 1972.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Nori Gopala Krishna Murti chaired the Bhakra Dam Management Board during a period when the dam was expanding its capacity to become one of Asia's largest multipurpose river valley projects.

The Story

1
In 1910, Nori Gopala Krishna Murti was born in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, where he began his education at the Bapatla Board School, setting the stage for his future engineering feats.
2
🌊 By the late 1950s, Murti was deeply involved in the design and commissioning of the Koyna Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra, a critical infrastructure that harnessed river power for electricity generation.
3In the 1960s, he became chairman of the Bhakra Dam Management Board, overseeing one of India's largest dam complexes during a pivotal time for post-independence industrial growth.
4🏗️ Between 1969 and 1972, he served as vice-chairman of the International Congress on Large Dams (ICOLD), representing India on a global platform focused on dam engineering and safety.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Krishna Murti was vice-chairman of the International Congress on Large Dams from 1969 to 1972, a period when India’s dam engineering gained international visibility.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth in Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh
Nori Gopala Krishna Murti was born to Venkateswarlu Nori and Sundaramma in Bapatla, beginning his journey in southern India.
1910
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Career
Involved in Koyna Hydroelectric Project
Murti played a key role in designing and implementing the Koyna Hydroelectric Project, a major power generation scheme in Maharashtra.
c.1950
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Award
Awarded Padma Shri
Received the Padma Shri from the Government of India for his contributions to civil engineering and dam projects.
1963
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Career
Vice-chairman of ICOLD
Became vice-chairman of the International Congress on Large Dams, representing India globally until 1972.
1969
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Honored with the Padma Bhushan, recognizing his extended service in civil engineering and dam management.
1972
🕊️
Death
Demise at age 85
Nori Gopala Krishna Murti passed away, leaving behind a legacy in Indian civil engineering and hydroelectric infrastructure.
1995
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He received the Padma Shri award in 1963 and later the Padma Bhushan in 1972, marking nearly a decade of recognized contributions to India's civil engineering sector.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Murti’s sons, Nori Pandurang Vithal and Vasudev Nori, both followed his footsteps into civil engineering, with one becoming chief commissioner of railway safety for Indian Railways.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

The Koyna Hydroelectric Project, which Murti helped implement, is situated in a seismically active zone, requiring advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Krishna Murti’s work on the Koyna Hydroelectric Project helped establish India’s capability to harness hydroelectric power on a large scale, influencing subsequent dam projects nationwide. His leadership roles, including chairing the Bhakra Dam Board and vice-chairing ICOLD, facilitated the adoption of international dam safety standards and engineering practices in India. These contributions supported India's energy infrastructure during a critical phase of industrialization and rural electrification.

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