Mandira Dam, Rourkela, Orissa India

The Mandira Dam on the river Shankh is at the distance of 32 KM. from Rourkela. It is situated near Kansbahal, towards Rajgangpur. A huge reservoir has been constructed by the SAIL authorities of Rourkela for Fishi-culture. The big water reservoir is made to store the water of river in the Rainy Season. This water is released to river Bramani during scarcity of water in the Summer and being supplied to RSP in Summer. There is boating facilities in the reservoir. It is a very nice place and a picnic spot. It is one of the best place to enjoy. One can also enjoy fishing here. 

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.

This dam is constructed by Rourkela Steel Plant for supply of water to the plant. The dam has been built up at the point where the river eters a gorge flanked by hills and presents a picturesque sight. There has been a guest house for tourists. The entire dam site is managed, operated and maintanied by Water Supply department of Rourkela Steel Plant with CISF Security. A beautifull garden on the dam site is another attraction for the visitors.  

Mandira dam is located near Kansbahal in Sundergarh district, Orissa, India. It is built across Sankh river, located 16 km upstream from Mandira. The water from the dam is used for Rourkela Steel Plant. Construction of the dam began after 1957. The dam displaced 2400 families and only 843 were resettled.

 The reservoir offers boating facilities for tourists and the nearest railway station is located in Kansbahal on the Howrah-Mumbai main line of South Eastern Railway. Rourkela is the closest junction station. The dam can be reached from Kansbahal and Rourkela by two wheelers, private cars, taxis, autorickshaws and irregular bus service.