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Write about Hirakud Dam.
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The Hirakud Dam is one of the major multipurpose river valley projects located in the state of Odisha, India. It is built across the Mahanadi River, one of the longest rivers in India. The dam is situated near the town of Burla in the Sambalpur district of Odisha.
Construction of the Hirakud Dam began in 1948 and was completed in 1957. The primary objective behind the construction of the dam was to control the perennial problem of floods in the Mahanadi River basin and provide water for irrigation and industrial purposes. The project was spearheaded by the visionary leader, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, and is considered one of the engineering marvels of its time.
The Hirakud Dam is an earthen dam and ranks among the longest dams in the world, with a total length of about 25.8 kilometers (16 miles). It consists of two main components: the main dam and the Hirakud Reservoir. The main dam spans across the river, while the reservoir extends upstream, covering an area of about 743 square kilometers (287 square miles). The reservoir has a storage capacity of approximately 5.8 billion cubic meters (202 billion cubic feet) of water.
The dam plays a crucial role in flood control, as it helps regulate the flow of water during the monsoon season. It has significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of floods in the Mahanadi River basin, thereby protecting the surrounding areas from devastation. Additionally, the dam has been instrumental in providing irrigation water to vast agricultural lands in the region, leading to increased agricultural productivity. The water stored in the reservoir is also utilized for industrial purposes, including power generation.
The Hirakud Dam is not just a utilitarian structure but also a popular tourist attraction. The scenic beauty of the reservoir, surrounded by lush green hills, attracts visitors from far and wide. Boating, fishing, and bird-watching are some of the recreational activities available in the vicinity of the dam.
Over the years, the Hirakud Dam has served as a lifeline for the people of Odisha, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. It has not only harnessed the water resources of the Mahanadi River but has also become an emblem of engineering excellence and a symbol of Odisha’s progress in water management and infrastructure development.
