The world’s longest and largest dam, Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River
, in Hirakud
. Hirakud dam intercepts 83400 sq km of the Mahanadi catchments.
It is a straight edged earth dam, which is flanked by 21 km long earthen dykes both on left and right sites. The reservoir is the largest artificial lake in Asia, with an area of 746 sq km and a shore line of over 640 km. A substantial number of migratory birds flock here during the winter.
The sight of the dam can be enjoyed from the revolving minaret of Gandhi Minar.
Hirakud Dam is about 30 km from Sambalpur. Hirakud Railway Station is eight kilometers away from the dam site.