Balimela Reservoir is located at Chitrakonda just 30 km from Malkangiri and about 105 km from Jeypore town, making it a significant landmark in southern Odisha. Situated 22 km from Chitrakonda, it serves as the headquarters of the Balimela Hydroelectric Project. The Balimela Dam, constructed as an earth-cum-rock fill dam at Chitrakonda, captures the water released from the Machkund Power House, as well as the natural inflows from the intermediate catchment area between Machkund and Balimela. This strategic reservoir supports hydroelectric power generation and enhances regional water management.
For visitors, the Balimela Dam View Point offers a picturesque glimpse of the dam and its surrounding natural beauty. The serene waters of the reservoir attract many tourists, especially during winter weekends, making it a popular spot for get-togethers and picnics. The Balimela Dam is a joint venture between the Governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, with both states sharing the reservoir’s water inflow equally on a 50:50 basis. Originally estimated at ₹24 crore in 1962, the project underwent several cost revisions. These were driven by factors such as inflation in the cost of materials, spares, and labour, wear and tear of machinery due to prolonged use, delays due to unavailability of essential parts, and the increased height of the dam and extended distances to borrow areas. Today, Balimela Dam stands not only as a symbol of inter-state cooperation but also as one of the top tourist attractions in the Malkangiri district, blending natural beauty with engineering excellence.
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