Hirakud Reservoir
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Overview
The Hirakud reservoir lies behind the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi near Sambalpur, Odisha. Completed in 1957, the dam is one of the longest earthen dams in the world.
The reservoir controls floods in the Mahanadi delta, irrigates large areas and generates power. It also hosts many wintering waterbirds and fish.
It was designated a Ramsar site in 2021.
Geography and key facts
- Mahanadi, near Sambalpur, Odisha
- Hirakud Dam completed in 1957; among the world's longest earthen dams
- Flood control, irrigation, power
- Ramsar site (2021)
Why it matters for UPSC
Hirakud appears both as a dam and a Ramsar site; the Mahanadi water dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh centres on upstream use.
Note for UPSC
Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), Odisha.
Ramsar sites come up as wetland–state pairs and in questions on conservation status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Hirakud Reservoir yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Ramsar site
- State / UT
- Odisha
- Coordinates
- 21.570°N, 83.870°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Forests, Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs (map lesson)