Hirakud Dam, Sambalpur
Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/jCvevwNFqMQ
Location: “Hirakud
Dam, Odisha 768016”
References: AI
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hirakud_Dam
Hirakud Dam, inaugurated in 1957 on the Mahanadi River in
Odisha, is the world's longest earthen dam (25.8 km) and forms
Asia's largest artificial lake. This major multipurpose project provides
irrigation to over 436,000 hectares, generates 359.8 MW of hydropower, and
controls floods.
The dam is located near Sambalpur in Odissa. Behind
the dam extends a 55 km (34 mi) long lake, the Hirakud
Reservoir. It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects
started after India's independence. Hirakud
Reservoir was declared a Ramsar
site on 12 October 2021.
The dam is a popular tourist attraction with a beautifully
managed park alongwith the rotating Gandhi Minar, which provide a 360 degree
view of the entire area.
There are remnants of temples submerged after the dam was
completed in 1957. In the summer season,
the receding water of the dam makes the structures become visible. The hidden
treasures have finally caught the attention of historians, and steps are being
taken to understand the historical significance of these temples, which
periodically go under water, only to resurface again. Many temples have been
destroyed after 58 years of underwater existence. However, some remain intact.
Interest in these lost temples has been rekindled after two stones, etched with
writing ('Shila Lekha'), were recovered from what is believed to be the
Padmaseni temple of submerged Padmapur village. More than 200 temples were
submerged by the dam, nearly 150 temples have either perished or are underwater
and about 50 are visible during summer. The lost temples present excellent
opportunities for scuba
diving enthusiasts to explore the underbelly of Hirakud Dam.
The temple are visible to visitors on boat only during the summer months of May
and June.