Sambalpur

Sambalpur ( pronunciation ; also pronounced Samalpur) in the eastern state of Odisha in India, is the fourth largest city by population in Odisha and is the district headquarters of Sambalpur district.

Sambalpur is the seat of Sambalpur Metropolitan Area which consists of Hirakud and Burla. The administrative entity for most of the city is Sambalpur Municipality which has 1,83,383 inhabitants in thirty different wards as per the 2011 census. Hirakud and Burla are the two different Notified Area Councils of Sambalpur Metropolitan Area and is also 5th largest city in the state. The total population of Sambalpur Metropolitan Area is 3,35,761.In the year 1883, Sambalpur was established as a municipality. Later in 2013 Sambalpur got the Municipal Corporation status. Sambalpur Municipal Corporation includes Burla, Hirakud and neighbouring 12 Gram Panchayats. Sambalpur is the region's economic and education hub. The city contains many historic buildings and parks, and is also the commercial capital of Western Odisha. In 1967 a university was established at Burla, known as Sambalpur University. Hirakud Dam, the longest earthen dam in the world and the largest artificial lake of Asia is situated at Hirakud.