Gangrel Dam (Ravishankar Sagar)

Gangrel Dam, also known as Ravishankar Sagar, is a major earthen dam built across the Mahanadi River at Gangrel in Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh, about 90 km from Raipur. Completed in 1979, it is the longest dam in Chhattisgarh and forms a vast reservoir. It is notable for irrigation, water supply, and as a popular scenic picnic and boating destination surrounded by forested landscape.

Visitors can expect a long earthen dam wall with panoramic views of the vast Ravishankar Sagar reservoir on one side and the Mahanadi River on the other. The site includes a reservoir viewpoint, landscaped garden area, and boating facilities. The surroundings are open and scenic with water expanse, forested banks, and opportunities for sightseeing, photography, and leisurely walks along the dam area.

Constructed between 1978 and 1979 across the Mahanadi River, the dam was named Ravishankar Sagar after Dr. Ravishankar Sagar, the first Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh (of which Chhattisgarh was then a part). It was built primarily for irrigation, flood control and water supply, and remains the longest dam in Chhattisgarh with a length of about 1,380 metres, serving districts including Dhamtari, Raipur and Durg.

The reservoir is an important water resource and recreational landmark for the region, widely used as a leisure and picnic destination for local communities and visitors from Raipur and Dhamtari.