The 67-year-old Hirakud Dam, Asia's longest earthen dam, requires significant structural upgrades to ensure safety and enhance capacity, according to Sudhir Kumar Sahu, Additional Chief Engineer, Hirakud Dam Circle.

While the dam's overall strength remains "very good," the presence of superficial cracks and cavities upstream of the reservoir has been noted. Constructed across the Mahanadi River near Sambalpur, Odisha, the 25.4- km-long dam forms Asia’s largest artificial lake, covering 743 sq km, and serves multiple purposes including flood control, irrigation, power generation, and water supply.

To address structural concerns, three major packages are underway: underwater treatment under DRIP 3, construction of an additional spillway, and gate automation. The Central Water Commission recommends the new spillway to manage increased flood potential from 15 lakh cusec to 24.6 lakh cusec. Routine maintenance is funded by the state, while major works receive Central support.