Upper Kolab Dam and Reservoir

Upper Kolab Dam and Reservoir is a major hydroelectric and irrigation project built across the Kolab River near Jeypore in Koraput district, Odisha. Completed in the late 1980s to early 1990s, it forms a large reservoir surrounded by forested hills of the Eastern Ghats. The site is notable for its scenic water body, power generation capacity of 320 MW, and as a popular sightseeing and picnic spot offering panoramic views and boating opportunities.

Visitors can expect a large reservoir set amid forested hills and valleys of the Eastern Ghats with a long earthen and masonry dam structure. The site offers panoramic views of the water spread, surrounding hills and spillway, a viewpoint area for photography, and seasonal boating on the reservoir. The environment is open and scenic, suitable for sightseeing, picnicking and nature viewing, with access to the dam top and reservoir banks in designated visitor areas.

Upper Kolab Project was undertaken by the Government of Odisha across the Kolab River, a tributary of the Godavari. Construction started in 1976 and the dam and hydroelectric power station were commissioned between 1988 and 1993. The project was built for hydroelectric power generation (4 units of 80 MW each, total 320 MW), irrigation and flood control, and remains one of the major multipurpose river valley projects in Odisha.