Khudia Dam
Dam in Chhattisgarh, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
| Khudia Dam | |
|---|---|
 A view of Khudia Dam | |
  Khudia Dam Location of Khudia Dam in Chhattisgarh  Khudia Dam Khudia Dam (India) | |
| Official name | Rajiv Gandhi Reservoir |
| Location | 45 km from Mungeli, Chhattisgarh |
| Coordinates | 22°23′24″N 81°35′47″E |
| Construction began | 1927 |
| Opening date | 1930 |
| Construction cost | 9.94 million Rs in 1930 |
| Owner | 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) |
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]
