Rengali Dam — Attraction in Odisha

Review of Rengali Dam (ରେଙ୍ଗାଳୀ ବନ୍ଧ)

Overview Rengali Dam, located on the Brahmani River in Odisha, India, is an impressive multi-purpose dam project. It was constructed in 1985 and serves various purposes, including irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. The dam is a crucial component of the Rengali Hydroelectric Project, contributing significantly to the state's infrastructure and economy.

Design and Structure The Rengali Dam is a rock-fill dam with a length of about 1,040 meters and a height of 70.5 meters. The reservoir created by the dam covers an area of approximately 370 square kilometers and has a capacity of 3.4 billion cubic meters. The design is robust and well-suited for the region's geographical and hydrological conditions.

Purpose and Benefits Irrigation: One of the primary purposes of the dam is to provide irrigation water to about 2,35,500 hectares of agricultural land, boosting agricultural productivity in the region.

Hydroelectric Power: The dam's hydroelectric power station has a total installed capacity of 250 MW, significantly contributing to the energy needs of Odisha. The power generated supports both industrial and domestic consumption.

Flood Control: The dam plays a vital role in controlling floods in the lower reaches of the Brahmani River, protecting countless lives and property.

Water Supply: It also provides water for industrial and domestic use, supporting the surrounding communities.

Environmental and Social Impact While the Rengali Dam has provided numerous benefits, it has also had environmental and social impacts. The creation of the reservoir led to the submergence of large areas, affecting local ecosystems and displacing communities. Efforts have been made to rehabilitate and compensate affected populations, although challenges remain.

Visitor Experience Rengali Dam is a popular tourist destination, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque landscape and observe the dam's impressive engineering. There are facilities for picnics and boating, making it a great spot for family outings and educational tours.

Conclusion Rengali Dam is a testament to human ingenuity and a critical asset for Odisha. It successfully balances its multiple roles, supporting agriculture, power generation, and flood management. While addressing its environmental and social challenges is crucial, the dam remains a vital part of the region's development and a fascinating destination...

Rengali dam is 70.5 m tall and 1040 m wide. The reservoir formed by the dam is the second largest reservoir in Odisha with 37, 840 hectares at full level and 28,000 hectares in mean level. The reservoir has a catchment area of 25,250 km2 mostly forests and wasteland. The dam is also used to generate electricity by 5 units with a capacity of 50MW each. The dam holds 3412 million cubic meters of water at Full Reservoir Level (FRL). A barrage is constructed across the Brahmani river 35 km downstream of Rengali dam. The barrage is used to store the flood releases from the dam and divert it through two canal systems. It has a free catchment area of 4780 km2 and between the dam and barrage. The area records an annual rainfall of 1570 mm on average.

Bhitarkanika Mangroves, located in Odisha adjacent to Bay of Bengal faces a unique threat since the construction of this dam. The species of trees in the Mangroves are fed by the unique combination of salt and fresh water from rivers including Brahmani River. Scientists from Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) and Spatial Planning and Analysis Research Centre Private Limited (SPARC) have performed a study on Effect of reduced water flow through Brahmani-Baitarani river system on the mangrove population of Bhitarkanika estuary.

In their study, the scientists have found that the water flow at the Mangrove delta head before and after the construction of the dam in 1985 is 19,514 million cubic meters and 17,389 million cubic metres respectively. They believe that this level may go down to 14,000 once the full potential of the project will be realised around 2025. They have warned of slow decline and disappearance of the plant species in this mangroves if a sustainable amount of water is not released into...

Rengali dam is located in Odisha. It is constructed across Brahmani River in Rengali village located 70 km from Angul in Angul district, Odisha in India.The dam was constructed in 1985.The project was not welcomed by the local people during the conception and initial implementation of the project due to the displacement of several people and the way the Government tacked the issue. The project has displaced a total of 10,700 families. Rengali dam is 70.5 m tall and 1040 m wide. The reservoir formed by the dam is the second largest reservoir in Odisha with 37, 840 hectares at full level and 28,000 hectares in mean level. The reservoir has a catchment area of 25,250 km2 mostly forests and wasteland. The dam is also used to generate electricity by 5 units with a capacity of 50MW each. The dam holds 3412 million cubic meters of water at Full Reservoir Level (FRL). A barrage is constructed across the Brahmani river 35 km downstream of Rengali dam. The barrage is used to store the flood releases from the dam and divert it through two canal systems. It has a free catchment area of 4780 km2 and between the dam and barrage. The area records an annual rainfall of 1570...