A visit to Kansbahal dam in Monsoon season is completely different from the other as after heavy rains water is released. The release outlet is on the other end of this earth dam. Water is released only if it crosses the danger level which happens when it rains heavily in the catchment area. The flow of water creates sone interesting photo opportunities. Enjoy the view!
Odisha and nearby states like Jharkhand and Chattisgarh have many unexplored places and the cultures, especially one ruled by the tribal life. Among these, several locations are ending with "Buru" like Kiriburu, Meghataburu, etc. "Buru" means hillock .and the prefixes have different meaning like "Kiri" means insects. "Megahata" means cloud.
Kiriburu and its sister town of Meghahatuburu, both located in both Jharkhand and Odisha are easily accessible from most of the towns nearby. Meghataburu is one of the largest Haematite iron ore mines in the world. The famous Saranda Forest nearby these places is the densest deciduous forest in Asia.Also the largest Sal forest in Asia.
Kiriburu is a place for nature lovers, where one can watch hills and valleys full of tall ad indigenous trees and all-year-round green vegetation. The weather is usually right round the year. Even in summer months, when rest of Odisha starts feeling the increased heat, one can experience morning fog in Saranda forest. The forest receives around 200 cm(approx) of rain in Kiriburu. In Meghahatuburu, near the SAIL guest house located in a corner of the town, a beautiful view of 700 mountains in the morning, and the beautiful sunset is panoramic to watch.
Fire in these jungles during summer is a common phenomenon - cause many times manmade and sometimes natural
Saranda Forest:
Sarana forest is located in the hilly region of West Singhbum district in the state of Jharkhand. "Saranda" in local language means land of 700 hills. Another origin of the name might be due to the presence of a large number of elephants in the forest. Saranda means elephants.
The density of the forest itself is scenic to watch because it is covered with mostly a single type of tree: Saal. The calmness, wilderness, the depth all adds up to a must have experience in this part. Most of the forest is untouched and makes it a perfect home for plenty of bird and other wildlife species importantly elephants, tiger, leopards, and Bisons. It also hosts some stunning waterfalls and hill views.
The river Koena is by far the most important river of this division. It originates in the extreme south of Bhangaon village on the Bonai border. It flows for about 80 km through this division and drains into the river Koel at Manoharpur. About 1100 hectares of virgin forests with more than 40% canopy cover is under iron ore mining leases. Several new aspirants for mining lease are in the waiting.
Some interesting facts:
Allegedly, this part of India hosts many Primitive Tribal Group, who are unaware of the modern civilization e.g. people who don't wear clothes. Some tribes use sound and use sign languages. Jharkhand government has made cement houses for them within thick forest so that they can continue living amidst the woods but with some added security.
The Singh Deo family were the royal family of the Saraikela, and Saranda forest was the hunting reserve of this family. Allegedly, the royal family made money by exploiting the forest resources by selling Elephant tusks, timber, etc.
How to reach Kiriburu:
A small video of travel from Manoharpur to Kiriburu and then in the forest near Pundulu
Kiriburu and Meghataburu are very close to each other. From Rourkela, it is advised to hire car and travel by road. Limited bus service is available, but can't be guaranteed about time and regularity. Kiriburu can be reached from Tatanagar by road or by rail, the nearest railway station being Barajamda, at a distance of 24 km. The mining town of Barbil in the Keonjhar District in Orissa is at a distance of 28 km from Meghahataburu by road. Direct Train - Jan Shatabdi- from Howrah (West Bengal) is available up to Barbil. Tourists, if not willing to stay and are travelling by road, should visit only during day-time for security reasons. Barbil is the only town near by for good accomodation. Guest house at Meghataburu is only for SAIL employees.
Kansbahal is a modern industrial town situated in the state of Odish India. Kansbahal abounds in naturally beautiful and man made places, among others, Mandira Dam,towards the northwest, Water Point, towards the north, Pitamahal Dam, towards the southeast and Kansbahal Dam, towards the south that are very suitable for the picnic spots. Two rivers run by Kansbahal - Ghoghar river and Sankh river, with the Ghoghar river finally merging into the Sankh river.
It is one the picnic spot locals enjoy alot. Once can prepare food here and enjoy eating it amidst the cool greenery. Sunset and sunrise timing are perfect for some landscape photography. Birds and macrolife (insects likes butterflies) are in abundance to photograph.
How to Reach Kansbahal Dam:
It lies on the State Highway #SH10 between the cities of Rourkela and Rajgangpur, about 25 km from Rourkela. Road till the dam in motor-able.
Rohan discussing his photo with other group members. From Left: Dr Milind (Red shirt), Hemant (Spects), Rohan, Prof Krushnemgh (Round cap), Ajay Gayakwad
Waiting for the boat after having a fruitful day at Lunkai stream. One looking through binocular is Swapnil Pawar, a nature enthusiast from Kolhapur. I dont have any better photo of his.
Me checking if flash is firing or not, three umpires from left: Varun Satose, Dharmaraj Patil, Prof Krushnmegh Kunte.
Prof Krushnmegh Kunte, Butterfly Man of India currently working with NCBS Bangalore. Visit his homepage, for more information about him and his work.
Ajay Gayakwad with his fav cat on the Deban campus. Ajay is professional interior decorator and leaves in Kolhapur.
Doc Milind Bhakare crossing the bridge on return from Haldibari. He is eye specialist practicing in Satara.
Kiriburu and its sister town of Meghahatuburu, both located in both Jharkhand and Odisha are easily accessible from most of the towns nearby. Meghataburu is one of the largest Haematite iron ore mines in the world. The famous Saranda Forest nearby these places is the densest deciduous forest in Asia.Also the largest Sal forest in Asia. 
