About 20 km northwest of Sambalpur, the gigantic Hirakud Dam was completed in 1957 with the sole objective of combating the recurring devastatin floods of the delta region caused by Mahanadi. One of the longest mainstream dams in the world, it is over 60m in height, 1100m long key section of masonry dam, with a further earth dam of over 3500 m. This has also helped in irrigating the vast areas of land. A twenty one km drive on the dyke offers a unique experience.
The view of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the fantastic expanse of water from the revolving towers, Gandhi Minar at the northern end and the Jawahar Minar on the southern side is excellent. Prior permission required for visit from the Deputy Superintendent of Policy Security Force, Hirakud, photography strictly prohibited. Regular buses ply to Dam from Sambalpur.