Varsha PandeyMandira Dam is the most famous tourist destination in Rourkela.
The dam was built between 1957 and 1959 by the Hirakud Project Authority.
The place is very beautiful.
Here, the Shanha River flows in a narrow gorge.
The surrounding mountains also add to the beauty of the place.
The purpose of the dam’s construction was to supply water to the steel mill in Rourkela.
This steel mill is located near a dam, which was once used to supply and store water for factories.
About Mandira Dam
The earth dam is an embankment of 426.72 m in length with a gate-controller spillway on the right saddle.
The maximum height of the earth dam is 35.38 m from the deepest foundation level.
The dam is exclusively meant to store water for supply to the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) located about 24 km downstream in the river course.
A regulated water supply of 100 cusecs is being released through an outlet sluice of 8′ X 8′.
A weir is across the river Brahmani near Rourkela and water is out from the pond to the 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 kilometers from SH – 10 junctions near Laing chowk and approximately 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.
The entire dam site is managed, operated, and maintained by the Water Supply Department of Rourkela Steel Plant with CISF Security.
A beautiful garden on the dam site is another attraction for visitors.
Opening Time
Everyday from 8’o clock to 6’o clock
The thing to do in Mandira Dam
There is also a large reservoir for fishing.
You can also enjoy fishing here.
You can also take a boat ride on the reservoir if you wish.
Tourist places near Mandira dam
Mandira Dam is near Rourkela in the state of Odisha, India. Rourkela is a city known for its industrial significance, but it also has some tourist attractions and places of interest in its vicinity. Here are some popular tourist places near Mandira Dam and Rourkela:
Khandadhar Waterfall
Khandadhar Waterfall is one of the most famous natural attractions near Rourkela. It’s located in the Sundargarh district and is known for its scenic beauty and lush green surroundings.
Vedavyas Temple
Vedavyas Temple is at the confluence of the rivers Koel, Sankha, and Saraswati. It’s a tranquil and spiritual place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Darjeeng
Darjeeng is a small village near Rourkela famous for its picturesque landscape and cool climate. It’s a great place for a peaceful getaway and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills.
Hanuman Vatika
Hanuman Vatika in Rourkela is a religious and recreational complex with a massive statue of Lord Hanuman. It’s a popular place for devotees and tourists alike.
Indira Gandhi Park
This park in Rourkela is a great place for a leisurely stroll, and it features a musical fountain and a small zoo.
Rourkela Steel Plant
If you’re interested in industrial tours and learning about the steel-making process, you can visit the Rourkela Steel Plant, which is one of the largest steel plants in India.
Vaishno Devi Temple
This temple is a replica of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and is a popular pilgrimage site in Rourkela.
Nehru Traffic Park
This park is not only a traffic training park but also a recreational area with gardens and walking paths.
Ispat Nehru Park
It’s a well-maintained park in Rourkela with a lake, boating facilities, and a children’s play area.
How to Reach Mandira Dam
By Air
The Ranchi is the nearest Airport.
By Train
the nearest railway station is in Kansbahal.
Rourkela is the closest junction station.
By Road
One can reach Mandira Dam by road from Rourkela.
Rourkela is 26 km from the dam.
Now, you can take Kansbahal and Rourkela by two-wheeler, private cars, taxis, auto rickshaws, and irregular bus service.
How to visit
The visitors have to take the necessary permission from Rourkela Steel Plant, Public Relations Office.
Accommodation
A guest house for VIP visitors is available.
It is run by the Water Supply Department, Rourkela Steel Plant.
A circular road connects the Guest Houses at a considerable height with the main entrance where an officer permits the visitor to enter the Dam area.
As a visitor stands on the terrace of the Guest House or moves a chain of Hills at a distance varying from 15km to 30 km.
The cement factory at Rajgangpur is visible on the left horizon, as one stands facing the reservoir.
The greenery environment is highly refreshing.
However, It is a perfect place for holidays.
Conclusion
A large dam with a comprehensive green cover.
It takes everyone’s attention so to keep the place in perfect condition.
Visitors must be able to walk only.
A ban on picnics in the surrounding area will help preserve its beauty for a long time.
