Khudia Dam

Khudia Dam
A view of Khudia Dam
Location of Khudia Dam in Chhattisgarh Show map of Chhattisgarh Khudia Dam (India) Show map of India
Official name	Rajiv Gandhi Reservoir
Location	45 km from Mungeli, Chhattisgarh
Coordinates	22°23′24″N81°35′47″E / 22.39000°N 81.59639°E / 22.39000; 81.59639
Construction began	1927;98 years ago (1927)
Opening date	1930;95 years ago (1930)
Construction cost	9.94 million Rs in 1930
Owner(s)	Government of Chhattisgarh
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Composite dam and reservoir
Impounds	Maniyari River
Height	18.3 m (60 ft)
Length	1,218 m (3,996 ft)
Spillway capacity	850 cubic metres per second (30,000 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
Total capacity	61,200,000 m3 (49,616 acre⋅ft)
Catchment area	472 km2 (182 sq mi)

The Khudia Dam, also known as the Khudia Bandh or Khudia Reservoir, is a significant irrigation dam located in the Lormi block of Mungeli district, Chhattisgarh, India. Situated approximately 45 kilometres from the district headquarters of Mungeli, this reservoir plays a crucial role in the region's agriculture and tourism. ^{[1] [2]}

History and construction

The dam's construction commenced during the British colonial period in 1927 and was completed in 1930. Engineers utilised the natural topography by connecting three hills through which the Maniyari River flows, creating the reservoir. Initially known as the Khudia Reservoir, it was later renamed Rajiv Gandhi Reservoir in honour of the former prime minister of India. ^[3]

Geographical setting

Located amid forests and bordered by mountain ranges to the northwest, the reservoir features diverse wildlife and birdlife, attracting nature enthusiasts. ^[4]

Tourism and accessibility

The reservoir has become a notable tourist destination, offering boating, fishing, and picnicking along its banks. A rest house provides basic accommodation. The site is accessible by road from Raipur, with bus and private vehicle connections. The nearest railway stations are Kota and Bilaspur. ^{[5] [6]}

Agricultural significance

Beyond tourism, the reservoir is a crucial irrigation source, sustaining agriculture in surrounding villages and supporting the local economy. It remains essential for both agriculture and tourism in Chhattisgarh. ^{[7] [8]}

References

1. "Khudia Dam". Mungeli District Official Website. 21 March 2025. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
2. "Khudia Dam in Mungeli District". CG Tourism. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
3. "Boat Overturned in Khudia Dam, One Dead". Nai Duniya (in Hindi). 21 March 2025. Archived from the original on 20 December 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
4. "Khudia Dam Location and Geography". Chhattisgarh Pedia. 21 March 2025. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
5. "Tourist Attractions at Khudia Dam". Chhattisgarh Pedia. 21 March 2025. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
6. EChhattisgarh.in. "About District Mungeli, Chhattisgarh". Echhattisgarh.in. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
7. "Water from Khudia Reservoir to Supply Drinking Water in Lormi, Mungeli, and Takhatpur". OneIndia (in Hindi). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
8. "Khudia Dam Overflow Due to Heavy Rains". Bhaskar (in Hindi). 21 March 2025. Retrieved 21 March 2025.