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Orissa Jalaput Dam
Jalaput Dam was constructed on Machkund River to facilitate the nearby located population in terms of electricity and irrigation facilities. This dam is on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. This river was started flowing in rift valley but due to internal geographical disturbance, the route of the river diverted and this river adopted natural flowing towards Bay of Bengal. After 48 kilometers flowing area from Andhra Pradesh this river takes a U turn towards Orissa and creates a natural waterfall called Duduma Falls.
History and Etymology
The area around Koraput was not receiving sufficient water for irrigation purposes. Cotton and Paddy were the main crops of the area. Both the crops are based on frequent water supply. To arrange sufficient water for optimum utilization of fertile land around the area, it was very necessary to provide water facility. In 1955 the dam was completed and come into action. In Oriya language the word “Jal” is also meant for water and “Put” is meant for store where the water can be kept for further use. In such scenario, the dam has the name Jalaput is really meant for what it was constructed. Since 1955 this dam is providing irrigation to the crops and as well as hydro electricity. Before construction of this dam, the area was man less and a dense forest. This was also treated as no man’s land. Though, some activities of transportation were done between Andhra Pradesh to Orissa through Koraput jungle but the population of this area increased only after the establishment of this dam.
Technical Portion
The water storage capacity of this dam is 34.273 TMC. This water storage is sufficient input for Hydro electric plant located on the banks of this dam. (MHES) Machkund Hydro Electric Scheme is requiring only this much water for generation of required electricity. At present 6 units of power generation have become older and malfunctioned at this dam. To repair the units is more expensive that installing new units. After some time, the working capacity of power units goes out and replacement becomes mandatory. A tunnel is being utilized to fetch more water from Balimela water reservoir. This tunnel is 15 kilometer long and well connected between Jalaput water reservoir and Balimela water reservoir. A pumped storage service is also being utilized at this dam for achieving the water dropping from high level. High drop water level increases the MW capacity of any power generating unit.
Attraction
Jalaput city is the main attraction at this point. In surrounding areas, Koraput and Vishakhapattanam are the major cities. In Vishakhapatnam, various old and historical temples are located. In majorities of the temples, Lord Shiva is the main deity. This place is well connected with Rail, Road and Air transportation. Vishakhapattanam is the nearest airport and Koraput is nearest railways station from where, all connecting trains can be catch for different cities of the state as well as neighboring cities.
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