INDIAN GEOGRAPHY

Detailed explanation-1: -Hirakud Reservoir is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India, built across the Mahanadi River by a combination of earth and modern dams of a total length of almost 26 kilometres. The reservoir helps regulate the water level of the river and moderates the impact of floods in the Mahanadi Delta.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Hirakud Dam regulates 83, 400 km2 (20.6×106 acres) of Mahanadi’s drainage. The reservoir has a storage capacity of 5.818 km3 (1.396 cu mi) with gross of 8.136 km3 (1.952 cu mi).

Detailed explanation-3: -Only 15 kms. north of Sambalpur, the longest earthen dam of the world stands in its lone majesty across the great river Mahanadi, which drains an area of 1, 33, 090 Sq. Kms., more than twice the area of Shrilanka.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Hirakud Dam regulates the flow of the Mahanadi River and produces electricity through several hydroelectric plants. The Dam is a significant source of power generation for the country. Along with power generation, the largest artificial lake in Asia also provides irrigation to the region.

Detailed explanation-5: -It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range which is about 90 km from Sambalpur, Odisha. The island is a submerged hill, and before the construction of Hirakud Dam it was a developed village.