Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, is the longest earthen dam in the world.
Behind the dam extends a massive lake.
This location is in the southern part of the dam.
Hirakud Reservoir is about 55 km. It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India's independence.
Hirakud Reservoir was declared a Ramsar site on 12 October 2021. Ramsar identifies wetlands of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat.
The Hirakud Dam is a man-made structure of earth, concrete and masonry.
The dam supports two different hydroelectric power houses.
The dam regulates the flow of the Mahanadi River and produces hydroelectricity through several hydroelectric plants.
The dam helps control floods in the Mahanadi delta and irrigates 75,000 km2 of land.
The Hirakud Dam regulates 83,400 km2 of Mahanadi's drainage. The reservoir has a storage capacity of abount 6 km3 with gross of 8 km3 .
It drains an area of 133,090 km2 more than twice the area of Sri Lanka.
In order to make this massive water body several temples have been submarged.
In the summer season, the receding water of the dam makes the structures become visible. Many temples have been destroyed after 58 years of underwater existence.
There are several islands in this massive lake, one such island is uniq know as Cattle Island within Hirakud Reservoir
Cattle Island is located in one of the extreme points of Hirakud Reservoir, a natural wonder. Completely inhabited by wild animals, no humans stay in the island. The island is a submerged hill. Before the construction of Hirakud Dam it was a developed village.
During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cattle behind; when the dam construction was over, the cattle settled on the hilltop with dense forest, they are larger than tame cattle, and almost all are white in colour.
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.
Hirakud Dam has a 22.4 km long power channel. At the northern end provide the perfect view of the mighty Hirakud dam along with the incredible expanse of water can also be enjoyed from these towers. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Security Forces, Hirakud, grants the permission to visit the Dam site. Due to security concerns, photography is strictly prohibited on the Dam site.
The dam with the channel provides an ideal environment for the wildlife. The Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is located here. Several species of migratory birds visit the reservoir during winter. Nearly 20-25 species of birds are seen in the reservoir.
The place is good for picnic and definitly Best for Nature lovers :
The road ways to this area are filled with rustic beauty. The very wild sceneries all arounds are just mesmerising.
