Balimela Reservoir, Hydroelectric reservoir in Malkangiri District, India
Balimela Reservoir is a large water storage project on the Sileru River that straddles the border between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The facility captures water to generate electricity and supply irrigation for farmland across the region.
The dam project was completed in 1977 through a joint agreement between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to manage the river's resources. Its completion marked a turning point in regional water management and power generation for the area.
The reservoir area is home to tribal communities who have lived here for generations and shape their daily activities around the water. Visitors can observe how local residents maintain traditional ways of life that are deeply connected to this landscape.
Access is best during the monsoon season when water levels are highest and the landscape appears most vibrant. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and seek local guidance about safety and optimal visiting times.
A portion of the reservoir is kept empty as an emergency reserve for severe drought periods. This strategic storage ensures water availability when other sources might dry up during critical times.
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