The Hirakud Dam , spanning 25.8 kilometres across the Mahanadi River, was born out of necessity. Once referred to as the ‘Sorrow of Odisha,' the Mahanadi frequently unleashed devastating floods on the coastal plains, culminating in the catastrophic deluge of 1937. Learn about the longest earthen dam in the world, built across the Mahanadi river in Sambalpur district of Odisha. Explore the attractions, facilities and accessibility of the Hirakud Dam and its reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Asia. INTRODUCTION The Hirakud Dam project, a landmark post-independence initiative, is a multi-purpose river valley project on the Mahanadi River, serving as a crucial source for flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation in Odisha, India. The reservoir formed by the dam , Hirakud Lake, is one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia. It is the longest earthen dam in the world, spanning 25.8 kms (16.0 miles) including dykes, built on the Mahanadi River and is the first ... Hirakud Dam, located in Odisha, India, is the world’s longest earthen dam , stretching over 25.8 kilometers across the Mahanadi River. Built to control floods, generate hydroelectric power, and support irrigation, it stands as a remarkable feat of post-independence engineering.
