Chitrakonda Reservoir

Chitrakonda Reservoir is a large water body formed by the Balimela Dam on the Sileru River near Chitrakonda town in Malkangiri district, Odisha. Surrounded by Eastern Ghats hills and forested terrain, it extends across the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Known for its scattered islands, calm waters and scenic landscape, it serves hydroelectric and irrigation purposes and is visited for sightseeing, photography and boating.

Visitors can expect a vast reservoir with calm blue waters dotted with small forested islands, surrounded by hills of the Eastern Ghats. The setting is rural and tranquil with views of the Sileru River valley, the Balimela Dam structure, and fishing boats on the water. Areas around the reservoir offer viewpoints for photography and sightseeing, and boat rides are available to explore the water and islands in daylight hours.

The reservoir was created by the Balimela Dam, a joint hydroelectric and irrigation project of the governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh built on the Sileru River in the 1960s-1970s. The dam and its 510 MW hydroelectric power station were commissioned in phases from 1976 onwards to provide power generation and water storage.

The reservoir lies in a predominantly tribal region of southern Odisha and is part of the local landscape and livelihood, supporting fishing and agriculture. The surrounding area reflects rural Odishan and tribal cultural life and is valued as a scenic natural attraction for visitors to Malkangiri district.