Hirakud Dam - World's Largest Earthen Dam

Information about Hirakud Dam

Hirakud Dam is constructed across the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur district, Orissa. It is world's largest earthen dam and one of longest dams in the world. Hirakud Dam is situated at a distance of 15 kilometre from Sambalpur city. Hirakud Dam was built in 1956.

Total Length of Hirakud Dam - About 26 km

Length of Concrete Dam - 1200 metre or 3937 feet
Length of Earth Dam 3600 metre or 11811 feet
Length of Left Dyke - 9837 meter or 32274 feet
Length of Right Dyke - 10759 meter or 35299 feet

Height of Hirakud Dam -

Concrete Dam - 61 metre or 200 feet
Earth Dam - 59.5 metre or 195 feet

Total Number of Crest Gates - 34
Left Crest Gates - 21
Right Gates - 13

Total Number of Sluice Gates - 64
Left Sluice Gates - 40
Right Sluice Gates - 24

Gross Storage Area - 5830000 acre feet
Live Storage Area - 4360000 acre feet

Total Power Capacity of Hirakud Dam - 275.5 Mega Watt

History of Hirakud Dam

Hirakud Dam project was a step to overcome the problems created by floods in the Mahanadi River. In 1945, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr B R Ambedkar. The committee decided to work on the proposal of Sir M. Visvesvararya of constructing storage reservoirs in Mahanadi River. The responsibility to carry out the work was given to the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission.

The foundation stone on the Hirakud Dam was laid by that time Governer of Orissa Sir Howthrone Lewis on 15th March 1946. The dam was completed in 1953. The total cost of the Hirakud Dam Project was Rs. 100.02 crores in that time. Hirakud Dam was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 13th January 1957.

Benefits from Hirakud Dam

The Dam controls the flood in Mahanadi Delta.
Approximately 7,500,000 hectares of land are irrigated by the reserved water.
Electricity Power is generated from the dam water.
The dam protects flood in some area of Cuttack and Puri district.
Controls the flood water and prevents the crops from getting damaged.
The channels of the dam provide an ideal environment for the wildlife.

Hirakud Dam - World's Largest Earthen Dam

Information about Hirakud Dam

History of Hirakud Dam

Benefits from Hirakud Dam

Post Comment: