Which is the Longest Dam in India?
VerifiedAnswer: Hirakud Dam in Odisha
Explanation:
The Hirakud Dam holds the prestigious title of being India's longest dam, stretching across an impressive 25.8 kilometers (16.0 miles). Located in the state of Odisha, this engineering marvel stands as a testament to India's post-independence infrastructure development and continues to serve multiple crucial purposes for the region.
Built across the mighty Mahanadi River, the Hirakud Dam was constructed between 1948 and 1957, making it one of India's earliest major multipurpose river valley projects after independence. The dam was inaugurated by India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who envisioned it as a symbol of modern India's progress and technological advancement.
The dam serves multiple important functions that benefit millions of people in Odisha and neighboring states:
• Flood Control: The dam effectively controls the devastating floods of the Mahanadi river that historically affected vast areas of Odisha • Power Generation: It houses a hydroelectric power plant that generates clean energy for the region • Irrigation: The dam provides irrigation facilities to thousands of acres of agricultural land • Water Supply: It ensures regular water supply for domestic and industrial purposes
The Hirakud reservoir, created by this massive dam, is equally impressive. It forms one of the largest artificial lakes in India, covering an area of approximately 743 square kilometers. The reservoir extends about 55 kilometers in length, creating a vast water body that has become an important ecological habitat and tourist destination.
What makes the Hirakud Dam architecturally unique is its construction design. The dam consists of a main dam and several auxiliary dams, all connected to form the complete structure. The main dam is built with concrete and masonry, while the auxiliary portions utilize earth and rock fill construction methods, demonstrating the engineering expertise of its time.
The dam has also become a significant tourist attraction in Odisha. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the vast reservoir, visit the Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar (two observation towers built on either end of the dam), and experience the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape. The area around the dam has developed into an important eco-tourism destination.
Beyond its impressive length, the Hirakud Dam represents India's commitment to large-scale infrastructure development and water resource management. It continues to play a vital role in the economic development of eastern India, supporting agriculture, industry, and millions of livelihoods while standing as a proud example of Indian engineering capabilities.
