India is home to many remarkable engineering marvels, and one of the most impressive among them is Hirakud Dam. Known for its extraordinary length and massive reservoir, this dam plays a vital role in irrigation, flood control, and power generation. Students, researchers, and general readers often search for information related to the length of Hirakud Dam, as well as questions like hirakud dam is located in which state and hirakud dam is situated on which river.
This detailed article provides complete and easy-to-understand information about Hirakud Dam, covering its length, location, river, historical background, importance, and interesting facts.
Introduction to Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam is one of the earliest multipurpose river valley projects undertaken in India after independence. It stands as a symbol of modern engineering and national development. Constructed to manage floods, support agriculture, and generate electricity, the dam continues to benefit millions of people.
What makes Hirakud Dam truly unique is its exceptional length, which places it among the longest dams in the world. Beyond its size, the dam holds immense geographical, economic, and educational importance.
Length of Hirakud Dam
One of the most frequently asked questions about this structure is related to its size.
Total Length of Hirakud Dam
The length of Hirakud Dam is approximately 25.8 kilometers, making it the longest earthen dam in India and one of the longest in the world.
- Total length: 25.8 km
- Main concrete dam length: about 4.8 km
- Earthen embankments: extend across hills and plains on both sides
The long earthen sections allow the dam to hold an enormous volume of water, forming a vast reservoir that stretches across several districts.
Hirakud Dam Is Located in Which State?
Another common question is: hirakud dam is located in which state?
Location of Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam is located in the state of Odisha, in eastern India. It is situated near the city of Sambalpur, which lies in western Odisha.
- State: Odisha
- District: Sambalpur
- Region: Western Odisha
The dam’s location was strategically chosen due to the frequent flooding of the Mahanadi River basin and the region’s agricultural potential.
Hirakud Dam Is Situated on Which River?
Equally important is understanding the river associated with the dam.
River on Which Hirakud Dam Is Built
The answer to hirakud dam is situated on which river is the Mahanadi River.
The Mahanadi is one of the major rivers of eastern India and has historically caused devastating floods in Odisha. Hirakud Dam was built to regulate its flow and utilize its water resources efficiently.
Historical Background of Hirakud Dam
The idea of constructing Hirakud Dam was proposed long before India gained independence.
Early Planning
- The concept was first suggested in 1946
- Inspired by the need to control floods and boost agriculture
Construction Timeline
- Construction began: 1948
- Completion year: 1957
- Inaugurated by: Jawaharlal Nehru
Pandit Nehru famously referred to dams like Hirakud as the “temples of modern India,” highlighting their importance in national development.
Structure and Design of Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam is not a single continuous concrete wall. Instead, it is a combination of different structures.
Key Structural Features
- Concrete dam section
- Earthen embankments on both sides
- Spillways with multiple gates
- Two observation towers: Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar
This unique design helps distribute water pressure evenly while covering a very large area.
Reservoir Capacity and Spread Area
Hirakud Dam creates one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia.
Reservoir Details
- Storage capacity: over 5,800 million cubic meters
- Reservoir area: around 743 square kilometers
- Catchment area: spreads across Odisha and Chhattisgarh
The reservoir supports irrigation and water supply throughout a vast region.
Importance of Hirakud Dam
Flood Control
Before the dam was built, floods from the Mahanadi River caused widespread destruction. Hirakud Dam significantly reduces flood intensity and protects downstream areas.
Irrigation Support
The dam irrigates hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland, helping farmers grow crops such as rice, pulses, and oilseeds.
Hydroelectric Power Generation
Hirakud Dam produces hydroelectric power, supplying electricity to many parts of Odisha and neighboring states.
Drinking Water Supply
The reservoir provides drinking water to nearby towns and cities, including Sambalpur.
Educational and Economic Significance
For students and educators, Hirakud Dam serves as an excellent case study in:
- Civil engineering
- Geography
- Environmental studies
- Indian economic development
Economically, the dam supports agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and local employment.
Tourism at Hirakud Dam
Hirakud Dam is also a popular tourist destination.
Tourist Attractions
- Gandhi Minar (panoramic views)
- Nehru Minar
- Scenic reservoir views
- Sunset viewpoints
Tourism helps promote awareness of the dam’s importance while boosting the local economy.
Environmental Impact
Like all large dams, Hirakud Dam has both benefits and challenges.
Positive Effects
- Water conservation
- Reduced flood damage
- Increased agricultural productivity
Challenges
- Submergence of villages during construction
- Ecological changes in river flow
- Need for sustainable water management
Efforts continue to balance development with environmental responsibility.
Interesting Facts About Hirakud Dam
- It is the longest earthen dam in India
- One of the first major river valley projects after independence
- Reservoir visible from space during monsoon
- Plays a key role in Odisha’s economy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The total length of Hirakud Dam is approximately 25.8 kilometers, making it the longest earthen dam in India.
Hirakud Dam is located in the state of Odisha, near the city of Sambalpur.
Hirakud Dam is built on the Mahanadi River, one of the major rivers of eastern India.
The dam is important for flood control, irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and water supply.
Hirakud Dam was completed in 1957 and inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru.
Conclusion
The length of Hirakud Dam, its strategic location in Odisha, and its construction on the Mahanadi River make it one of India’s most significant engineering achievements. More than just a dam, it represents progress, planning, and the effective use of natural resources.Understanding answers to questions like hirakud dam is located in which state and hirakud dam is situated on which river helps learners appreciate its geographical and historical importance. Even decades after its completion, Hirakud Dam continues to support agriculture, control floods, generate power, and inspire future generations.
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