The construction of the Hirakud Dam began in 1948 and was completed in 1953. Here are the key details about the construction of the dam:
Location: The Hirakud Dam is located on the Mahanadi River in the state of Odisha, India. It is situated near the town of Sambalpur.
Planning and Design: The planning and design of the dam were carried out by the renowned engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. He envisioned the construction of a multipurpose dam to control floods, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power.
Construction Phases: The construction of the Hirakud Dam took place in several phases:
a. Diversion of River: Initially, a temporary channel was created to divert the flow of the Mahanadi River. This allowed the construction work to take place in the dry riverbed.
b. Main Dam Construction: The main dam consists of two sections: the earthen dam and the masonry dam. The earthen dam is approximately 25.8 kilometers (16 miles) long and was constructed using soil, rocks, and other locally available materials. The masonry dam is made of concrete blocks and spans about 4.8 kilometers (3 miles).
c. Spillway Construction: The dam also features spillways to release excess water during heavy rainfall and prevent the reservoir from overflowing. The spillways were constructed to ensure controlled water release.
d. Powerhouses: The dam includes two powerhouses: the Burla Powerhouse and the Powerhouse on the right dyke. These powerhouses house turbines that generate hydroelectric power from the flowing water.
Labor and Resources: The construction of the Hirakud Dam involved a substantial workforce comprising engineers, technicians, and laborers. Local communities were also involved in the construction process. Machinery, equipment, and construction materials were mobilized for the project.
Inauguration: The Hirakud Dam was inaugurated on January 13, 1957, by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It was a significant milestone in India's post-independence era and marked the completion of a major infrastructure project.
The construction of the Hirakud Dam has had a transformative impact on the region, providing flood control, irrigation, power generation, and water supply, and contributing to the overall development of Odisha.
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