Hirakund Dam | Dams in Odisha |
About Hirakund Dam : |
Hirakund dam is in Sambalpur district of Odisa and is build across Mahanadi River about 15.5kms, is a longest man made dams in the world. This is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry. The main dam has an overall length of 4.8 km spanning between two hills: the Lamdungri on the left and the Chandili Dunguri on the right. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in India, with a reservoir holding 743 km2 (287 sq mi) at full capacity, with a shoreline of over 639 km (397 mi). There are two observation towers on the dam one at each side. One is "Gandhi Minar" and the other one is "Nehru Minar". Both the observation towers present breathtaking views of the lake. This amazingly constructed structure is focal point of interest of Tourists and large flocks of birds. In every season you will see tourist around this place just to see the dam. And, number of migratory birds fly towards this destination during the winter season, and some of the common ones that can be spotted here include Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard and Great Crested Grebe. The construction of this dam started in the year 1945, under the chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Member of Labour, it was decided to invest in the potential benefits of controlling the Mahanadi for multi-purpose use. The Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission took up the work.[2] On 15 Mar 1946, Sir Hawthrone Lewis, the Governor of Odisha, laid the foundation stone of the Hirakud Dam. A project report was submitted to the government in June 1947. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the first batch of concrete on 12 April 1948. The dam was completed in 1953 and was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 13 January 1957.
The dam helps control floods in the Mahanadi delta and irrigates 75,000 km2(19×106 acres) of land. Hydroelectricity is also generated. The Hirakud Dam regulates 83,400 km2 (20.6×106 acres) of Mahanadi's drainage. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 5.818 km3 (1.396 cu mi) with gross of 8.136 km3 (1.952 cu mi). The main purpose of the Hirakud Dam was to check the massive floods that were affecting a large part of coastal Odisha. But, the construction of the dam greatly affected the natives of the western part of Odisha. Nearly 150,000 people were affected by the Hirakud project and nearly 22,000 families were displaced. There are remnants of temples submerged after the dam was completed in 1957. In the summer season, the receding water of the dam makes the structures become visible. The hidden treasures have finally caught the attention of historians, and steps are being taken to understand the historical significance of these temples, which periodically go under water, only to resurface again. Many temples have been destroyed after 58 years of underwater existence. However, some remain intact. Official name - Hirakud Dam |
Location information Hirakund Dam :It is situated 15 km from Sambalpur, Odisha. Sambalpur is a major district and nearest city to it. |
Climate/Weather in Hirakund Dam :You will experience an extreme type of climate with hot and dry summers followed by humid monsoons and cold winters. The most pleasant months in Sambalpur are from October to February, during which time the humidity and heat are at their lowest and at this time you can visit this place. |
| Summer - March to May |
| Monsoon - June to October |
| Summer - March to May |
History of Hirakund Dam :You will experience an extreme type of climate with hot and dry summers followed by humid monsoons and cold winters. The most pleasant months in Sambalpur are from October to February, during which time the humidity and heat are at their lowest and at this time you can visit this place. |
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Interesting things to do Hirakund Dam :
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Interesting things to Visit near by Hirakund Dam :You can visit various Huma Temple, Samaleswari Temple, City Centre Mall, Budharaja Temple, Deer Park Badarama, Wildlife Sanctuary and Dadhibaman Temple and others falls around it. These places are in the same district Sambalpur but few are in different districts. You don’t have to travel a lot because all these places are within 30kms.
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How to reach Hirakund Dam ?Rail - Nearest Railway Station: Hirakud Railway Station Road - Buses service is also available in different parts of Hirakud due to Hirakud Dam's close Air - Raipur Airport (RPR), Raipur, Chhattisgarh (240kms away from the location) |
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Things to carry for Hirakund Dam :Don’t carry too much of luggage while visiting this place. |
Tips & Suggestions for Hirakund Dam :Don’t carry too much of luggage while visiting this place.
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