Sambalpur District, the gateway to the bewitching western zone of Orissa, went online with the launch of its Official Website on 2nd May 2002. The website, developed by NIC Sambalpur Unit, in association with the District authorities is a good endeavour towards making people aware about the ancient center of diamond trade and the Hirakud dam, one of the longest mainstream dams in the world. The Website comprises comprehensive information about the various facets of District Administration, Welfare Programmes, Statistical Figures, Cooperative Activity, Self-Help Groups, Social Organisations etc. Apart from information about the profile, demography, history, topography, communication, important telephone numbers, maps, etc an attractive photo gallery provides pictures of the religious and historical sites, important landmarks and sons of the soil of the District. The site was inaugurated by Shri Susil Kumar Lohani,I.A.S, District Magistrate & Collector, Sambalpur who appreciated the role played by the NIC District Unit's team in the development of the website.