Hirakud Dam
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Overview
The Hirakud dam on the Mahanadi in Odisha is among the longest earthen dams in the world. The Ib joins the Mahanadi at its reservoir.
It is near Sambalpur and is one of the longest earthen dams in the world, with the main dam and dykes running about 25 km.
It was completed in 1957 and controls floods in the Mahanadi delta.
The reservoir is a Ramsar site, designated in 2021.
It is on the Mahanadi river.
The dam's construction began in 1948.
The reservoir is about 55 km long.
It is a major source of hydropower and irrigation in Odisha.
Geography and key facts
- Mahanadi, Odisha
- Long earthen dam
- Near Sambalpur
- Completed 1957
- Ramsar site 2021
Why it matters for UPSC
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Note for UPSC
Mahanadi, Odisha; among the longest earthen dams in the world.
Prelims pairs dams and projects with their rivers and states.
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