In Indian geography and river valley projects, Hirakud Dam is located in which one of the following states of India?

Introduction / Context:
Hirakud Dam is one of India's major multipurpose river valley projects and a popular topic in geography and general knowledge exams. It is known for being one of the longest earthen dams in the world and plays a crucial role in flood control, irrigation, and power generation. Questions about the locations of major dams often test a candidate's map based awareness and understanding of India's water resources.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The question asks about the state in which Hirakud Dam is located and provides four options:

• Jharkhand
• Chhattisgarh
• Odisha
• West Bengal

We are to assume that only one of these states contains the Hirakud Dam site and that the learner is expected to recall the correct state from prior study of Indian dams and rivers.

Concept / Approach:
Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River. The dam is situated near Sambalpur in the state of Odisha. While the Mahanadi basin extends over several states, the iconic Hirakud structure itself is firmly located in Odisha. Therefore, the approach is to connect three key facts: Mahanadi River, Sambalpur region, and the state of Odisha. The other options—Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal—are part of eastern and central India but do not host this particular dam.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Hirakud Dam is constructed on the Mahanadi River. Step 2: Remember that Sambalpur, a well known city close to the dam, lies within the state of Odisha. Step 3: Link the name Hirakud with Odisha, which is frequently done in school geography chapters and competitive exam guides. Step 4: Review the four state options given in the question and identify Odisha among them. Step 5: Select Odisha as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, mentally list major dams by state. For Odisha, you may recall Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi. For Jharkhand, dams such as Tenughat or Maithon are more typical. Chhattisgarh has projects like Hasdeo Bango, and West Bengal is linked to dams like Farakka Barrage on the Ganga (although technically a barrage, not a dam in the classic sense). Standard GK books and exam compilations consistently list Hirakud under Odisha, confirming this pairing.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Jharkhand: While rich in minerals and with some dams, it does not host Hirakud Dam.

Chhattisgarh: Part of the broader Mahanadi basin but not the location of the Hirakud structure itself.

West Bengal: Associated with other river projects but not with Hirakud, which is far to its west in Odisha.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse river basin states with the exact dam location and may pick Chhattisgarh or even Jharkhand because they know the Mahanadi flows through central India. Another error is mixing up Hirakud with other famous projects like Bhakra Nangal or Nagarjuna Sagar. To avoid this, always memorise dams as a pair: River + State, for example, Hirakud – Mahanadi – Odisha, Bhakra – Sutlej – Himachal/ Punjab, etc. This makes such questions quick to answer correctly.

Final Answer:
Hirakud Dam is located in the state of Odisha.