Mandira Dam - Rourkela - Odisha- A Famous Picnic Place

 Mandira Dam - Rourkela - Odisha- A Famous Picnic Place

Mandira Dam:

          Mandira dam has been constructed by Hirakud Project Authority during 1957 – 1959 across river Sankh, a tributary of the Brahmani river at Lat. 220 16′ N & Long. 840 40′ E. The earth dam is a zoned embankment of 426.72 m length with gate-controlled spillway on right saddle. Maximum height of earth dam is 35.38 m from the deepest foundation level. The dam is exclusively meant for the purpose of storing water for supply to the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) located about 24 km downstream in river course. A regulated supply of water of 100 cusecs is being released through an outlet sluice of size 8’ X 8’. A weir is constructed across the river Brahmani near Rourkela and water is being pumped out from the pond to plant area. The total length of its spillway is 243.14m with 11 nos. of radial gates of size 15.5 x 6.1m each.

This place is around 3 kilometer from SH – 10 junction near Laing chowk and around 35 kms from Rourkela and 19 km from Vedavyash Chowk, 6 km from Rajgangpur (Ranibandh) chowk on SH. The dam has been built at a point where the river enters a gorge flanked by hills and presents a picturesque sight.

 

There is one guest house for VIP visitors. It is under the Water Supply Department, Rourkela Steel Plant. A circular road connects the Guest Houses located at a considerable height with the main entrance where an officer issue permits to the visitor to enter the Dam area. As a visitor stands on the terrace of the Guest House or moves chain of Hills at a distance varying from 15km to 30 km. The cement factory at Rajgangpur is clearly visible on the left horizon, as one stands facing the reservoir. The whole environment is highly refreshing . It is a nice place for holidaying. A beautifull garden on the dam site is another attraction for the visitors. There is boating facilities in the reservoir.

How to reach there ?

The visitors may visit this place after getting necessary permission from Rourkela Steel Plant, Public Relation Office.