Jalaput [https://web.archive.org/web/20080112103653/http://encarta.msn.com/map_701549159/Jalaput_Reservoir.html] derives its name from its local tribal dialect 'Jala' or 'Jal' means water. (In sanskrit too 'Jal' means 'Water') and 'Put' means a residence or a storehouse or large place. Jalaput water reservoir was the only water source for many of the local tribes in more than 100 tribal villages in and around Jalaput in the koraput district. Before the present dam was built 55 years ago, it was a dense forest and a river surrounded by many tribal villages.