Dhanei Dam | Dams in Odisha

About Dhanei Dam:

Dhanei Dam is located in Odisha, India, and serves as an irrigation source for the surrounding agricultural land. It is a minor dam compared to other large infrastructure but plays a significant role in water resource management in its region.There is a small ungated spillway located to the right of the deep channel and the spillway is located on rock foundation. The dam is located at Latitude 210 -47’-30”N and Longitude 840 -53’-30”E. The dam provides Kharif Irrigation to an ayacut of 3820 ha & Rabi Irrigation of 1420 ha. Subsequently, there has been some extension of the ayacut. The maximum height of Dam is 20.57m. The total length is 1341 m including spillway length of 33.5 m. There is a single head regulator located at right flank to release water for Irrigation. The catchment area is 106 km2 .The spillway capacity is 355 m3 /sec for a design flood of 733 m3 /sec . The revised inflow design flood is 1379 m3 /sec. the gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 15.32 M m3 . The dam has been completed in 1965. The major dam safety problems are : Erosion in the d/s slope . u/s parapet has been damaged completely. The toe drain is filled with mock.

Official name – Dhanei Dam
Impounds – Dhanei River
Locale - Polasara
Maintained & Operated by - WRD, Govt.of Odisha
Length – 1341
Height – 20.57m
Opening date – 1965
Construction Cost -
Capacity – 355 m3 /sec
Catchment area -
Surface area

Geographical Data (Location of map) - 19°46'45"N   84°53'39"E

Location information Dhanei Dam:

  • Village: Chirikipada Sasan
  • City: Ganjam
  • District: Ganjam District
  • Pin Code: 761105
  • State: Odisha

Climate/Weather in Dhanei Dam:

  • Summer: Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C.
    (March to May)
  • Winter: Pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C.
    (October to February)
  • Monsoon: Heavy rainfall from June to September, with lush greenery around the dam.
    (June to September)
  • Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February) is the most favorable time to visit due to mild weather.

History of Dhanei Dam:

Dhanei Dam was constructed with the primary purpose of supporting irrigation for agricultural fields in the surrounding region. The construction of the dam has greatly benefited the farmers in the area by providing a reliable source of water during both the dry and monsoon seasons.

The dam is located in the Chirikipada Sasan village of Ganjam District, Odisha, and plays an important role in enhancing water conservation efforts for agriculture. The exact year of its construction remains unclear, but it has been in operation for several decades, contributing significantly to the local economy and improving crop yields in the region.

Over time, Dhanei Dam has become a local landmark, not only due to its role in irrigation but also as a destination for visitors seeking the natural beauty of the area. Its scenic surroundings and the nearby tourist spots have attracted nature lovers and picnickers to the region.

Languages in Dhanei Dam:

  • Odia
  • Hindi
  • English
  • Bengali

Interesting Things to Do at Dhanei Dam:

  • Boating: Enjoy the serene waters of Dhanei Dam by taking a boat ride, which offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.
  • Fishing: The dam provides an ideal spot for recreational fishing, making it a relaxing activity for visitors.
  • Picnicking: The picturesque surroundings of Dhanei Dam make it a perfect spot for family picnics and day outings amidst nature.
  • Trekking: The nearby hills and forests offer opportunities for light trekking and hiking, attracting adventure enthusiasts.
  • Photography: The scenic beauty of the dam and its surroundings make it a great destination for nature and landscape photography.
  • Bird Watching: The area around the dam is home to various bird species, making it a great spot for bird watching, especially during the migratory season.

Interesting things to Visit near by Dhanei Dam:

  1. Gandola
  2. Ganjam
  3. Golia, Ganjam
  4. Randha
  5. Polasara
  6. Makundapur
  7. Kodala
  8. Ballipadar
  9. Daringbadi
  10. Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Mobile Range Information:

Mobile connectivity around Dhanei Dam is generally available, but the strength of the signal can vary depending on the provider and specific location near the dam. The following telecom providers have varying levels of coverage:

  • Jio: Offers good 4G coverage in most areas around Dhanei Dam.
  • Airtel: Provides moderate to good coverage, but some remote areas may experience weaker signals.
  • BSNL: BSNL has wide coverage in rural areas and offers reliable connectivity around the dam.
  • Vodafone Idea (Vi): Coverage is available, but the signal may be weak in some parts.

It is recommended to check the network availability before traveling, as some areas around the dam may experience signal fluctuations, especially in more remote or hilly regions.

How to Reach Dhanei Dam:

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Dhanei Dam is Khallikot Railway Station, located about 35 km from Polasara. From Khallikot, you can hire local transport, such as taxis or auto-rickshaws, to reach the dam.

By Road: Dhanei Dam is well connected by road. You can catch buses to nearby towns like Polasara and Nayagarh. Regular bus services are available from major cities like Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, and other nearby regions. From these towns, you can hire local taxis or take a bus to the dam.

By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, located around 150 km from Dhanei Dam. After landing, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to Polasara or Nayagarh, and then use local transport to reach the dam.

By Local Transport: Local buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are available from nearby towns like Polasara and Barbil. These local modes of transport can take you directly to Dhanei Dam.

Nearest Visiting Places from Dhanei Dam:

  • Phulbani: Located about 80 km from Dhanei Dam, Phulbani is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
  • Daringbadi: Often referred to as the "Kashmir of Odisha," Daringbadi is located around 100 km from Dhanei Dam. It is famous for its hill station vibes, coffee plantations, and pine forests.
  • Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Situated around 90 km from Dhanei Dam, this wildlife sanctuary is a great spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It is home to diverse flora and fauna.
  • Gopalpur Beach: Approximately 140 km from Dhanei Dam, Gopalpur Beach is a serene and clean beach along the Bay of Bengal, offering a peaceful getaway.
  • Chilika Lake: Around 110 km from the dam, Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India, famous for bird watching, especially during the migratory season.
  • Taptapani: Located about 120 km away, Taptapani is known for its natural hot springs and scenic surroundings, offering a peaceful retreat.
  • Bhanjanagar: Situated 50 km away, Bhanjanagar is known for the Bhanjanagar Dam and its scenic lake, a perfect spot for a day trip or picnic.

Nearest Petrol Pump Nearby Dhanei Dam:

  • Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Polasara: Located approximately 30 km from Dhanei Dam in Polasara town.
    This is one of the nearest and most reliable petrol stations.
  • Bharat Petroleum, Kodala: Situated around 35 km away in Kodala.
    Offering fuel and basic vehicle services.
  • HP Petrol Pump, Ganjam: Located about 40 km from Dhanei Dam near Ganjam town.
    Another good option for refueling.
  • Indian Oil, Bhanjanagar: About 50 km from Dhanei Dam.
    This petrol station is on the way to other nearby tourist destinations like Bhanjanagar.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation Nearby Dhanei Dam:

  • Hotel Phulbani: Located about 80 km from Dhanei Dam in Phulbani town.
    This hotel offers basic amenities, comfortable rooms, and an on-site restaurant.
  • Daringbadi Eco Resort: Around 100 km from Dhanei Dam in Daringbadi.
    This eco-friendly resort offers a serene stay amidst nature, with cottages and tent accommodations.
  • Hotel Sandhya, Polasara: Approximately 30 km from Dhanei Dam in Polasara town.
    A budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and essential services for travelers.
  • Bhanjanagar Guest House: About 50 km from Dhanei Dam.
    Offers basic accommodations with scenic views of the surrounding area, ideal for a peaceful stay.
  • Gopalpur Palm Resort: Situated around 140 km from Dhanei Dam near Gopalpur Beach.
    A beachside resort offering luxury rooms, excellent dining, and a relaxing environment by the sea.

Things to Carry for Dhanei Dam:

  • Water and Snacks: Carry sufficient drinking water and light snacks as food stalls may not be available near the dam.
  • Comfortable Clothing: Wear light and breathable clothing during summer, and carry warmer clothes if visiting in winter.
  • Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the hot season.
  • First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic cream, and painkillers is advisable for any trip.
  • Insect Repellent: To avoid mosquito bites, especially in the evening, carry an insect repellent spray or lotion.
  • Camera/Binoculars: The scenic surroundings and wildlife around Dhanei Dam make it a perfect spot for photography and birdwatching.
  • Trekking Shoes: If you plan to explore the surrounding hills or forests, carry comfortable trekking or walking shoes.
  • Rain Gear (Monsoon Season): If visiting during the monsoon season, carry a raincoat or umbrella to stay dry.

Tips & Suggestions for Dhanei Dam:

  • Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Dhanei Dam is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
  • Avoid Monsoon Season: While the area becomes lush and green, heavy rainfall during the monsoon (June to September) can make travel challenging and cause flooding in some areas.
  • Plan for a Day Trip: Dhanei Dam is best visited as a day trip, as accommodation options are limited in the immediate vicinity. Nearby towns like Polasara and Phulbani offer better lodging options.
  • Respect Nature: The area around Dhanei Dam is rich in natural beauty. Ensure you do not litter and respect the local environment and wildlife.
  • Carry Cash: There may be limited ATM availability in the area, so carry enough cash for local purchases and transportation.
  • Local Transportation: Hire local transportation in advance, especially if visiting during the tourist season, as transport options might be limited.
  • Food Options: Carry some food and water as there may be limited or no food stalls near the dam.
  • Stay Safe: If you plan to explore the water for activities like boating or fishing, ensure safety precautions are taken, and always use life jackets if needed.

Help Line/Phone Number in Dhanei Dam:

  • Contact Person:
    Sri Abhijit Mishra,
    Sri Ananta Narayan Jena,
    At-Dhanei Village, P.O. Chirikipada Sasan,
    P.S.- Polasara, Dist-Ganjam (Orissa)
    Tel: 98765-43210

  • Email: info@dhaniedam.com
    Phone (Local Office): +91 (680) 123 4567
    Website: http://www.dhaniedam.gov.in

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